Two members of the Memphis Woodcarvers Association, Christopher and Ducky, recently had the opportunity to attend Raymond Kinman’s “Failing Forward” relief carving class in Kinman Hall on the campus of the Marc Adams School of Woodworking in Franklin, Indiana.
The week-long class immersed students in Raymond Kinman’s unique approach to relief carving—one that encourages woodcarvers to embrace mistakes as an essential part of the learning process. Rather than striving for perfection from the very first cut, Kinman teaches that every misplaced gouge or unexpected grain direction becomes another lesson that helps develop confidence, skill, and artistic vision. His “Failing Forward” philosophy transforms what many consider setbacks into stepping stones toward becoming a better carver.
Throughout the class, Christopher and Ducky worked alongside students from across the country, learning not only traditional relief carving techniques but also the fundamentals of design, tool control, wood grain, sharpening, and creating convincing depth and dimension. Raymond’s teaching style combines humor, encouragement, and decades of professional experience, creating an atmosphere where beginners and experienced carvers alike feel comfortable asking questions and trying new techniques.
The workshop was held in Kinman Hall, a fitting tribute to one of today’s most respected woodcarving instructors. The Marc Adams School of Woodworking is internationally recognized as one of the premier woodworking schools in North America, bringing together master instructors from a wide variety of woodworking disciplines. Its hands-on classes provide students with access to world-class instruction and outstanding facilities, making it a destination for woodworkers and woodcarvers from around the world.
The Marc Adams School of Woodworking
The Marc Adams School of Woodworking (MASW) has earned a worldwide reputation as one of the finest hands-on woodworking schools in North America. Located just south of Indianapolis in Franklin, Indiana, the campus encompasses more than 40,000 square feet of dedicated instructional space, including specialized carving studios, bench rooms, machine rooms, turning centers, and classrooms designed specifically for immersive, hands-on learning. The school hosts hundreds of workshops each year taught by more than 130 internationally recognized instructors covering woodworking, woodcarving, turning, furniture making, design, finishing, blacksmithing, glass art, leatherwork, and many other traditional crafts. MASW is known not only for its exceptional facilities, but also for its welcoming atmosphere where students of every skill level—from first-time hobbyists to seasoned professionals—learn directly from masters of their craft. It is truly a destination for anyone who wants to improve their skills while becoming part of a vibrant community of makers.
Anyone interested in advancing their woodworking or woodcarving skills should explore the outstanding classes offered by the Marc Adams School of Woodworking.
Who Is Raymond Kinman?
Raymond Kinman is an internationally recognized traditional woodcarver whose work has delighted millions of visitors to Disney theme parks. A self-taught craftsman with nearly five decades of professional experience, Kinman has created many of the iconic hand-carved signs and themed carvings found throughout Disney attractions and resorts. His remarkable career began without formal training, proving that persistence and dedication can overcome a lack of experience. Today, he shares that same philosophy with students through workshops, online instruction, and private carving retreats, inspiring carvers of every skill level to discover that artistic ability is developed—not inherited.
For Christopher and Ducky, the experience was about much more than completing a carving. It was an opportunity to learn directly from one of the finest woodcarvers in the world, make new friendships within the carving community, and return home with fresh ideas and techniques to share with fellow members of the Memphis Woodcarvers Association.
Today, Raymond devotes much of his time to teaching and mentoring aspiring woodcarvers just like the one he taught through the Marc Adams School of Woodworking, private “Hippie Camp” sessions in his home studio in Grass Valley, California, and online video resources. His philosophy is simple: artistic ability is not something people are born with—it is developed through practice, perseverance, and a willingness to “fail forward.” That message resonated throughout the week and challenged every student to think differently about both carving and learning.
To learn more about Raymond Kinman, his artwork, instructional videos, and upcoming classes, visit WoodcarverGuru.com.
The Memphis Woodcarvers Association congratulates Christopher and Ducky on taking advantage of this exceptional educational opportunity and looks forward to seeing how the techniques and inspiration they gained will influence their future carvings.
But the question still remains, Does it Have to Be a Light Bulb?