Tom Nickelson – Wood

As a fisheries scientist by profession, Tom spent 31 years monitoring, conducting and directing salmon and trout research for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. He started carving wood shortly after retirement in 2005. Tom became involved in a volunteer effort to carve animals for an antique Dentzel carousel in Albany Oregon. Groups of carvers and painters were working on the task of creating 54 animals for the antique mechanism. Two of his animals are now on display at the Albany Historic Carousel. Drawing on experience as a biologist, Tom began to create stylized wildlife sculptures. He currently works exclusively with a variety of hardwoods carved with power tools. Specializing in carving trout, Tom enjoys carving other fishes, birds and mammals. The more dramatic the wood, the better.