John Mercer

I have been carving now for sixty years. My type of carving called is whittling, as I use knives rather than chisels. My style has changed a lot over the years into what I carve today, and which I like to think is unique to me. In 1989 I carved 15 large bees for the Gales Honey Wild Flower Garden, which won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. I carve mainly birds and try to show the character of the bird in that carving. As I carve each bird by hand they are unique one-offs.My birds are sold mainly in this country and I now have people who collect them, both here and in countries around the world. I try to produce a new style of bird each year.