Larry Poore has been creating characters and expressions through carving for only the past 3 years, beginning at the tender age of 72. Looking at his pieces, one would think that this is the work of an experienced craftsman. What’s even more remarkable is that he was unable to carve the 2nd of those 3 years due to back issues that led to infection, surgeries, and extended recovery.
I recently sat down with Larry and his wife Linda at their home to enjoy his art and talk about how it all started with a causal conversation at Compelled Church with Pastor Nate Elarton, an avid and accomplished carver. “I told Nate that I had spent the winter sitting around, mostly bored with nothing to do. Nate responded that if I stopped by his house, he would teach me to carve. And though the carving groups name, Bloody Fingers didn’t work for me, I decided to give it try.” Larry told me that his first pieces were “ugly,” but Nate continued to encourage him. As I stood in Larry’s garage studio, surveying the wall of faces, I did not see anything casual or ugly. There was instead life, great detail, strength and beauty.
Cindi and I have known Larry and Linda for over 30 years, and we discussed that in all that time, Larry never really engaged any type of creative arts. “I was focused on life I guess, working and raising a family.” Yet, we agreed that this gift was there all the time, now brought to the surface, resulting in Indians, leafy beards and Jesus, all from a block of wood.
One of Larry’s favorite carvings is John the Baptist (“I was a wild man too when I was younger!”) however, the piece has deeper meaning, being the first carving that he completed after his time in the wilderness of the hospital.
Cottonwood, tools, and sharpening equipment make carving somewhat expensive and though Larry does price and sell some of his pieces, he told me that his joy is to create carvings as gifts for friends and family.
I left my time with Larry and Linda feeling inspired, uplifted and grateful for their friendship and faithfulness. The next morning I received the following text:
“Thanks so much for thinking about me to be part of your blog. It’s an honor just to think about the gifts that God has given us. If it sparks the interest of other people to seek out what gifts they have been blessed with, then it’s worth it. I don’t consider it special, just greatly blessed. Thanks.”
Sparks.
Exactly.
Larry and Linda have been married 44 years, live in Monroe, MI and lead Rooted discipleship at Compelled Church. They have two daughters, Alyssa who is married to Justin and Sarah who along with her husband Tad, have two children, Juni and Edi.
For more information, contact Larry’s Cottonwood Co. at 734-777-7795 or lpoore47@hotmail.com
Tim, just signed Larry up for our vendor show at CityLight Church where my youngest son Trevor is Pastor. I too am impressed with his later in years, awesome talent. Linda told me about your blog and I enjoyed the article.
I enjoyed this reading this blog as I just visited with Larry and Linda earlier today at CityLight Church’s “Markers Market. His carving are amazing!
Larry’s carvings are amazing, I see them and think what talent! Then I look at them and I see and see God speaking to Larry’s heart through his hands. The John the Baptist carving is so meaningful, but I love the one of Jesus. God is good.
Good post.
Blessed to have one of his beautiful creations in our home.