Clarke County
Turkey Calls
“I have always enjoyed turkey hunting and
woodworking, so I tried putting them both together” said Keith. “I kept looking
at all different kinds of turkey calls and just tried to make on a little
different.”
Inspiration came from his Dad Keith
said. “He lost his fifteen year battle
with ALS in January of 2014. He was an avid turkey hunter and woodworker. He always had the attitude that if someone
else could build it, he could too. After
watching him go from doing whatever he wanted, to being in a wheelchair, life
is short. Enjoy the God given abilities that you have, and to God give the
credit for all of the great things in your life.
Although Keith said he has no special
training, his “Mom is good at painting” and he watched his Dad and uncle while
he was growing up and through trial and error he learned many things. He uses
many different species of wood such as cedar, cherry, walnut, birch and purple
heart. Pennsylvania slate and glass is used as well. Some of the wood is local
but other varieties have to be ordered. Completion time is approximately one
and a half hours.
His rewards come from “taking a plain piece
of wood and making it into a finished product. Pieces of art created by so many
talented Black Belt artisans have influenced him. “It is great to see all the
different pieces of art come out of this part of the country” said Keith. He
has had other artisans share ideas with him so “I try to do the same.”
Keith
also has some turkey calls at the Grove Hill Art Council Gallery.