He began carving in 1948 when he purchased his first six-piece carving set from Sears. Mahogany was the first wood he carved because scraps were readily available at a nearby lumberyard. His early carvings were religious figurines and given away as gifts. His artistic education began in High School where he studied architecture, design and illustration. At Indiana University in 1956 he studied clay modeling. In 1977 he traveled to Europe and studied under Master Carver Gunther Gurke in Oberammergau, Germany.

 

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Nearing retirement from IBM Corporation he studied over a five years period 1984-1989 with Master Carver Georg Kielhofer, Frankenmuth, Michigan. In 1992, Leo returned to Germany and this time studied with Master Carver Alexander Van Elsc in Underammergau. Several years he has conducted special seminars for carvers in senior community education programs. He has also given numerous talks about woodcarving to local civic clubs. In 1991, he opened his own studio and carving school, authentic custom carvings for clients and wood furniture and art sculpture restoration work. He classifies himself as a traditionalist carver from the Old World. His method of teaching is by demonstration and coaching. He encourages his students to try new approaches or execution of a subject while always stressing good safety practices. The studio classes are normally conducted in the fall and winter months but a class can be put together with four or more students at any time of the year. Imparting the skill

of woodcarving to others gives him great pleasure. For the skill will remain with a student as fun and personal activity for a lifetime. Leo has had over 45 years of experience working in all mediums from stone, metal and wood. He is especially fond of wood carving for its universal nature, availability and the ease to teach others this skill. His goal is the satisfaction of having his students gain a life long skill that is safe and fun.