A carver/sculptor with a Unique Style

I love carving and sculpting in wood, and sea life and animals have been my passion as a subject matter forever.

I grew up in San Francisco, California. My dad was a commercial fisherman with 12 salmon boats running out of Fisherman's Wharf for over 30 years. It was this passion he had for sea life that rubbed off on me, although not the commercial side of fishing.
After attending San Francisco State University and earning a Bachelors in fine arts with emphasis in drawing and sculpture, and a second degree in Design Technology, I taught high school art and woodworking for 15 years.

In 1988 I decided to leave teaching pursuing a full time career as an artist. I have been full time for the past 28 years and have many collectors all across the U.S.

With a great drawing background, each piece starts with sketches from photos I take, then the wood is selected for the piece. It is the drawing background you are really seeing in the carving, giving it the realism and personality that makes each piece unique.

Having the ability to mix this drawing skill with the technical carving is at the crux of my style, which is quite different from most carvers.

I hand carve using a series of grinders and freehand every piece. When carving, removing material is called "the subtractive method" and the artist has one chance to achieve the realism of the animal as you do not add wood back once removed.

I enjoy this method and it is a "commitment" each time a carving or sculpture is created. I usually use a Tung Oil finish; sometimes lacquer for the Pelican and sea otter series.
In 2008 we created the website, www.risingtidesculpture.com.

The site is visually stunning, easy to navigate and a virtual gallery showing all my work.
If you like the work on my Etsy page, please feel free to visit the website and you can see a vast array of pieces I carve.
Over 20 portfolios grace the site, a section for News, television interviews and a wonderful portfolio showing customers across the country and how they have placed the work in their homes.

I ship via UPS ground insured constructing a strong box assuring safe delivery to your home or office. Shipping is to the Continental U.S. mainland only. I do not ship to Hawaii or Canada or anywhere outside the mainland due to astronomical ship costs.

Currently I am showing in 18 exhibitions across California and Arizona.

A full show schedule is on the website the home Etsy page.

Additionally, I am on FACEBOOK, richard vest

Currently I amrepresented by Gray's Gallery in Morro Bay, California.

When visiting the lovely town of Morro Bay, stop by the Gallery, located at 561 Embarcadero right on the pier area...Say hello to Todd Baston, owner.

The Gallery is also connected to Gray's Inn. They have wonderful rooms while you are visiting Morro Bay.

I love what I do and am constantly adding new work which keeps an artist fresh.
Have a great day!