Allen started his hobby of carving in 1980.  He is a self-taught carver/sculptor.  He does most of his work during the winter months. The first piece he carved was a Nativity set made out of pinewood.  Being a self taught carver he endeavors himself to become better each time a knife or chisel enters his hands. His favorite woods are catalpa, cedar, basswood and walnut.  His present collection of Santa’s, approx. 200, range from tree ornaments to 4-foot statues.  Santa’s are made from cedar, willow, sycamore and catalpa.  He has made 6 nativity sets out of walnut, cherry and basswood. Indian busts are made out of catalpa. His Last Supper pieces are 12” X 24” X 2” from basswood.  His most recent project is tree spirits carved in live or dead trees. No damage is done to the trees as you are able to remove less than 1/3 of the tree bark without any harming. The process of “tree spirits” begins with a chain saw and is finished with chisels, before sealing. 

Allen’s idea of a St. Francis came alive a couple of years ago when an Elm Tree was struck by lightning near his pond. He has made several with the help from a chain saw, gouges and chisels; they stand approx. 4 feet high.

Many people have asked Allen how he got started and what schooling he had attended with the art of woodcarving/sculptor. He remarks about his experience in 1962 in the eighth grade when he was awarded Second Place Certificate with a Silver Seal of Merit for sculpturing a horse’s head out of Ivory soap. Unfortunately, the bar of soap had been used but Allen still cherishes the certificate. Eighteen years later a block of wood and carving chisels opened his eyes to the art of woodcarving. In 2001 Allen was approached by Indiana Arts Commission and was asked if he would like to participate in an art project involving the carving of a Christmas tree ornament for display in the White House’s Blue Room.  The specifications provided were that the ornament had to be no larger than 2"x6"x8" and lighter than 8 oz. It also had to be a replica of an Indiana Historical Home. Allen chose the James Whitcomb Riley Home. After the ornament was judged and accepted, it was sent to the White House. Each State submitted ornaments. Allen received a “Thank You” Letter, a phone call from a White House representative and an 8 by 10 photo of the President and First Lady.

So when the sun goes down early one can assure that Allen is in his shop with chisels or sitting in the family room in his favorite chair with a sheet on the floor and the chips are flying…having a time of his life.  Time, which he says there just isn’t enough of.  He quotes,  “sleep when you’re dead, life is too short”.  His wife, sitting 15 feet away is reading a book, smiling at the chips.

Allen has recently retired from Rolls-Royce North America and resides in Lizton, Indiana with his wife Linda.