To know Barbara is to love her Santas. No wonder Barbara Scoles is the Artist of the Month for December at the Dragonfly Gallery, 380 Blohm Ave. in Aromas. Scoles is a professional when it comes to slicing and dicing big blocks of wood, ultimately revealing the beautiful smiling Santa hidden inside each block.
If you would like to meet Scoles and see the carving process, plan to attend the “meet and greet” from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Dragonfly Gallery in Aromas. Enjoy refreshments and conversation while she demonstrates her carving techniques.
Her Santas are very popular, but it’s what she adds to her Santas that make them personal—such as a bear, a bird, a kitty or a pup. Ever see a Panamanian Santa in traditional dress with a parrot? How about a Santa with five adorable panda bears?
Scoles said the hardest part of her job is including all the things and creatures her clients request. She perseveres until her Santa passes the strictest client test—until the client falls in love with Santa.
Twenty years ago Scoles began formal carving lessons. She carved wood most of her life and also created custom clothing. When she decided to get serious and take lessons, she developed her own unique Santas and her own carving style. Her Santas have full, wavy beards and laughing eyes. Their robes, hats and costumes vary. No two Santas are alike.
Scoles carvings are known for their “wood-look.” She paints the wood with rich color but typically leaves parts of the piece unpainted, letting the wood add its richness to the creation. She uses gold-leaf to accent some pieces, and not all Santas wear regulation red coats.
The most fun happens when Scoles adds special details to her Santas, such as animals, birds, flowers, even landscapes and seascapes.
