Rockwall retiree flies off with awards at State Fair of Texas

1st Place 2024 – Bob Minbiole – Carved Human/Animal/Caricatures

Rockwall, TX (October 9, 2024) – Growing up in New Orleans, Bob Minbiole’s father introduced him to the art of woodcarving at the age of fifteen. With an Audubon book of birds in hand, they would work together creating the intricate works of art.

But as young people often do Bob’s interests gradually went elsewhere.

After his father passed away, Bob picked up his father’s tools and became more serious about the craft.

While very much his hobby, Bob says he also found woodcarving to offer beneficial relief from a very stressful career. “Woodcarving is very relaxing. It takes a great deal of focus and concentration so all those stresses and worries as a food broker would just fade away.”

Now retired and living in Rockwall, Bob’s art has taken flight to a new level!

Originally entering art shows in Louisiana with great results, Bob was encouraged to submit his works to the Texas State Fair Creative Arts competition. His talent has been rewarded with Bob having won 1^st place in the arts and crafts category, Carved Human, Animal and Caricatures, four of the last five years, including 2024!

Part of the technique relies on the type of wood used. In the past, Bob primarily selected basswood because it offers a smooth finish without showing the wood grain. However, he eventually moved to carving with Tupelo gum. This wood, which grows in the swamps of Louisiana, is an exceptionally hard wood that also happens to be very lightweight. Bob says working with it is “like carving butter” so it is especially well suited to delicate carvings like birds.

Having refined his talent over years of work, Bob has certainly established himself as an artist. While some artists hope to sell their pieces, Bob says he is in it for pure enjoyment!

Get a look at his winning piece at this year’s State Fair of Texas through October 20.

Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Courtesy photos.

  arts and crafts fair, feature, featured, Rockwall, State Fair of Texas, woodcarving