Rick is a retired orthodontist who started chip carving as a hobby 35 years ago. He saw a book on chip carving by Wayne Barton and thought it would be worth a try since there were so few tools involved and if it did not work out there was a minimal investment involved. After starting on his own, he had the privilege of taking a class at the Campbell Folk School taught by Wayne. Wayne popularized chip carving in the United States over 50 years ago and has refined it to include different techniques that allow for more decorative motifs. He has published several books on the subject and taught all over the US and Europe. The class at Campbell created a long term friendship with Wayne and Rick was able to teach with Wayne at Campbell over the last 7 years.
If you have any questions, feel free to Email Rick at svitzerjr@appstate.edu.