I am a retired art teacher with 35 years of teaching experience. My wife and I make our home in Ocala, Florida's 55+ community, "On Top of the World". I am a member of the Art Club, the Woodshop and the Carving Club. I am a citizen of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

The reliefs below show a growth progression. The first relief has a very low profile or a raised drawing effect. The second relief is a more in-depth carving, so that light can create a dramatic scene. In the second relief, some of the subjects took on a more in-the-round carving. I also added additional pieces such as the cherry wood Indian maiden, known as Buffalo Women, as well as a Bristlecone pine tree with some of its branches reaching out beyond the frame.

Low relief, mahogany,10"x 65"

High relief with light drama, 11"x 22" bass wood, cherry wood

Relief in progress

I am carving something almost all the time. Three of my other carvings are ceremonial pipes. This is where my Indian heritage comes in to play. My pipes are usually gifts to people that deserve them. They are used in ceremonies such as sunrise services, funerals, and special meetings. The pipes have lots of symbolism in them.

The first pipe has a black walnut stem with one turtle and an alabaster bowl carved into an eagle head.

First eagle pipe with alabaster head. Each pipe is about 18" long.

Detail of first eagle pipe

The second pipe has a full-bodied eagle and three turtles all in walnut. The bowl in the eagle body is copper as are the claws and eyes.

Pipe 2

The third pipe has seven turtles representing the seven grandfathers. The nine eagle feathers represent the nine original villages. I carved the eagle first, in case I messed up. The bowl in this pipe is located in the trunk of the tree and is lined with copper. The whole carving is just two pieces of wood.

Pipe 3 with eagle feathers

Backside of pipe

Detail of the eagle

Detail of the eagle

Detail of the eagle

Some of my drawings

Richard can be reached directly via email at richardaber2@aol.com.