Ten Satisfying Years In the summer of 1997, I was in Davenport, Iowa, at the Affiliated Wood Carvers Congress. We distributed a flyer announcing the launch of a new woodcarving magazine. After seeing the flyer, a carver handed me a $20 bill and his address. It was a sweet moment— the first paid subscriber to WCI. From that small start 10 years ago, Woodcarving Illustrated has grown to be the world’s largest magazine on the subject of carving. And one we are committed to keeping as the best example of carving art and instruction. I think WCI’s success can primarily be attributed to the fact, surprisingly, that neither Shannon or I are great carvers ourselves. What I am, is a passionate fan and booster of carving. (Founding Editor Roger Schroeder is one of those rare few that possess the combination of gifted carver and talented writer/researcher.) What excites me, and drives our products, is a simple love of craftsmanship and design. I love the creativity of woodcarving—the sheer magic of someone grabbing a hunk of wood and making it beautiful through their own skill and unique vision. I love the type of people who are drawn to the field of woodcarving. If you have been carving for very long, you know what I mean. Carvers are humble people. They’ve lost count of the mistakes they’ve made, the number of times they’ve nicked themselves, and won’t judge you on the pile of half-done projects in your shop. And because even the best carver remembers doing some awful work in the beginning, they’re patient and generous with encouragement and advice. I love discovering a new carver of great talent who has been working in obscurity and introducing them to our readers. I love seeing young faces light up when they carve their first simple project. And I love the independent artist’s attitude of carvers. Unlike 90% of magazines produced, WCI is all about what you can make, NOT about what you should buy. Carvers know that laboring over a special piece for someone they love will long outlast this Christmas’ “toy of the hour.” Thanks so much for allowing us to support you as a carving artist. Perhaps because we are not master carvers ourselves, it’s easier for us to stand back in awe of the work that we see come across our desks. And because we’re your biggest fans, it will always be our greatest delight and pleasure to see where your creativity and skill take you. As we look forward to the next ten years, we have a few guiding principles to improve the magazine and support the carving community. Check them out by clicking here. Happy carving,     Alan Giagnocavo Shannon Flowers