Student Feature: Rita Rozen
At the heart of Kukstis Woodcarving is the “artist’s journey” Carving Classes. Paul’s Carving Classes have been a fixture of the Studio for years, where novices and experts alike hone their skills creating pieces like no other. Somewhere along the line, whether by design or organically, Paul’s Carving Classes have become a place that fosters growth of all kinds: growth of talent, growth of a love for wood carving, and most importantly, growth of life-long friendships.
In the next few posts we focus on some of the “Usual Suspects” of Paul’s Carving Classes. Join us in the Studio with them as they share some of their experiences and stories. In today’s Student Feature get to know Rita, and learn why she is the self-proclaimed ‘Favorite Student’ of Paul’s class.
After years of crafting, oil and watercolor painting, apprentice to a master potter, knitting instructor, fiber arts, quilting, l wanted to try wood carving. Little did l know the day l walked into Paul’s Studio and asked about classes that it would be a life changing event for me. I had taken carpentry classes at South Shore VoTech adult ed and enjoyed the smell of wood and creating with it. l had no specific ideas at the time but Paul had many albums and ideas for me. l was a terrible student…l refused to spend hours carving letters and getting to know the grain of the wood…l stubbornly insisted on carving a project right away..a fish, of course.
Paul’s support and patience, the entire group encouraging me as l plodded along gave me hope; the fish came out great! The Thursday night group soon began to develop a reputation as a bunch of renegades: food was brought in each week, many beverages were consumed. It was a wonderful social night for all.
I continued carving, looking forward to my next projects, meanwhile becoming friends with my classmates..leading to sailing adventures, cook outs, parties, weddings, birthdays…we became a force to reckon with, even a little hazing to new classmates.
No matter what level project l tried, Paul was patient, encouraged us all, he always has time for each individual. l continued to progress with each project, constantly learning, getting new ideas from the crew.
I looked forward every week to class to see what others were doing, to catch up, get ideas, see what Paul had been working on. l eventually became friends with his amazing wife, Sheila and their 3 adult kids. We actually had our own little community going on. I was talked into running for Mayor, and won with their support. This group carried me as l experienced severe personal losses..and huge life changes.
Even during the pandemic Paul has done video tutorials and delivered projects to keep us carving and involved. He is the most wonderful teacher and so proud of his students work. It’s a skill that can be done at home; several guys in the class have created workrooms, bought sets of tools. But for me, being at the Studio and in the group is the best.
I would encourage anybody thinking about taking a class to go and talk with Paul, see his projects, get ideas. lt is a very productive and rewarding skill. Paul is extremely old school. No routers or dremels allowed. Also, he is very tight with his praise. “It doesn’t suck” is the ultimate compliment you will ever hear from him.
I have continued to learn, to paint, to create taking these classes...each student works on their own individual item from start to finish with ideas constantly being shared and encouragement from all, no matter what level.
My favorite memory is the day l met Marilyn, Paul’s longest running student. I was in the Studio visiting and she had a little, yellow gold finch in her hand.l told her to keep it warm, call the local wildlife rehabilitation center, NE Wildlife Center, only after they laughed did l realize she had carved it. Such amazing detail!
One of the best things l have ever done and the absolute best bunch of people...even you,Paul.
