CALVO WOODCARVING AND SCULPTURE STUDIODavid James Calvo

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Formal Education

DAVID JAMES CALVO has dedicated his professional life to the art of woodcarving and sculpture. In 1974, he started college as a psychology major, but after one year he found philosophy to be a broader, more all incompassing topic so he quietly walked out the door, across the hall, and enrolled in the Philosophy department. He graduated with a book of Thoreau in one hand, Walt Whitman in the other, and a degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1979. Years later, after being in the sculpture field for fifteen years he returned to Graduate School at Boston University. He studied civilizations and how symbols were used as a organizing force for the individual, as they related to themselves and each other in a community. His study also included how symbology helped ancient communities relate and respond to their environment as the forces of nature played out without insulation and hesitation. All this was an effort to explore how civilizations used symbols found in their art work, utilitarian items and their community geographical layout for survival and growth.

Traditional Old-World Wood Carving and Sculpture Training

Calvo has always worked with his hands as long as he can remember. It was during his college years that he borrowed a set of carving tools and started carving to balance out the headiness of a philosophy curriculum. After graduating college, he landed his first job at an established sign carving studio in Boston. By good fortune or the fate of the Gods, he found himself living with his cousin who lived in an apartment right next door to the studio. On his first day of work, he rolled out of bed, walked next door and started carving. Since that serendipitious beginning, David has had the absolute good fortune to trained with woodcarvers and sculptors of the highest European caliber. He studied under the late Frederick Brunner who was trained in the French European Woodcarving Apprenticeship System in Metz. David also trained at the renowned Boston Studio of Arcangelo Cascieri and Adio di Biccari where he assisted both principals in a studio that produced artistic work internationally. Archangelo Cascieri was trained by the renown German carver Kirchmayer who immigrated to the states.

David Calvo with host Roy Underhill on the National PBS Television Show “The Woodwright's Shop”

Adio di Bicarri was trained by Fredrick Allen, Director of the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts and sculpture teacher. He was Allen's protege. Both Adio and Archangelo began their studies together in sculpture under renown European Master sculptor Ernest Pellegrini in Cambridge. For anyone as fortunate as Calvo... this is absolute pedigree training. In addition to his artistic skills, David has extensive training and experience in high-end custom furniture fabrication and design making him a well-rounded artist and craftsman. To complete his studies, David traveled throughout Europe exploring artistic woodcarving and sculptural designs in different cultures.

Passing on the Carving Tradition

David has been a featured master woodcarver at many International Woodworking Trade Shows where he has given woodcarving workshops on woodcarving technique and designing skills. He has also been a featured TV guest on the PBS Television shows: "The Woodwright's Shop" with Roy Underhill and "The American Woodshop" with Scott Phillips. In addition to running a full time studio, David teaches wood carving at some of the most prestigious schools and writes articles for national publications to promote and share his skill. He is a sought-after teacher because his unique training is a rarity. He is also a natural speaker who has the ability to articulate the mechanics of the skill of wood carving in an easily understood fashion.

Our Reputation Guarantees the Highest Caliber of Workmanship

Calvo Studio designs in many styles, from classical European lines to abstract thought provoking metaphors. When Harvard University restored Sanders Theatre, its crown jewel of interior design, the University management team and architect did not want to take chances and bid the job out for the best pricing. Because of our known caliber, Harvard University assigned Calvo Studio as the designated firm to do all the restoration carving work so it would match perfectly the existing exquisite European carving work. We stand by our reputation and your satisfaction. Today, with twenty-eight years of professional experience and a national clientele, David has grown Calvo Studio, located in picturesque Gloucester, Massachusetts, to a staff of artists that continue to provide design skills and produce high-end custom wood carving and custom-cast bronze work that reflects a mature and educated vision.