Artist carves out new hobby

EAST COUNTY — A runner who spent the majority of his life on the go, Blaine Broadbridge now enjoys a more stationary hobby.

The father of two used to run almost every night until age and injuries slowed him down. After his youngest daughter moved away to attend college at Florida State University two-and-a-half years ago, he started carving wood. He was always interested in chainsaw carving and decided to try out a similiar art form.

Using a Dremel, small files and a grinder, the Lakewood Ranch resident carves totem poles of American Indians, pirates, Civil War soldiers and other historical figures. He recently showcased a few pieces of his collection of more than 50 items at the Creative Arts Association Show and Sale at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

For Broadbridge, the hours he spends carving are therapeutic and give him something to do to help ease the boredom of being an empty nester. A totem pole consisting of four faces takes about two weeks to carve, and individual carvings of faces take about two days.

Now, rather than a runner’s burst of adrenaline, Broadbridge experiences a new type of rush from hearing the buzz of his tools, he says.

As he hovers over a halfway completed wooden carving of an American Indian and Jimmy Buffett music blares around him in his garage, it’s clear he is in his element.

“Being out here, this is my me time,” Broadbridge says. “I’m creating my artwork.”

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].

ABOUT THE ARTIST
• Preferred workstation: His garage

• Tools of his trade: Dremel, small files and dye grinder

• Favorite subjects to carve: Human faces and peace signs

• Hardest facial feature to carve: Eyes and the mouth