would be arduous. So I don't do it. " a hammer and a nail punch and decorated the carving. He does commissions but considers them Fortunately, its new owner was sympathetic. more difficult than pieces he dreams up on his His record sale to date is $22,000, though many own. of his smaller pieces sell for $100 to $500. His Brent starts with a chunk of basswood, butwork has sold all over the United States and even ternut or walnut and marks reference points that abroad to collectors in Japan and Sweden. Humansville Brent began work on a farm gallery when show where the key features will be. Roughing out the shape goes quickly, with the carver switching most of the shows he usually attends were cancelled. He's confident patrons will make a day from a small knife to a chisel as needed. When he moves to the detail phase though the work slows to a crawl. trip out of visiting while stopping at area attractions and Working a 6- to 7-hour day allows him to complete a large dining destinations along the way. " They can call or honk work in about a month. their horn, " he says. " It's rather informal right now. " He's one of the fortunate few woodcarvers who have earned the opportunity to focus on their art full time. He You can reach Brent at brentsculptor99@protonmail.com knew he had arrived when one of his sculptures sold for or 417-298-9084. Texting works best. His gallery is located $10,000. Before he could deliver it, his 4-year-old son took at 3523 Highway O south of Humansville. Left: Brent Foster considers himself fortunate to earn a living from something he loves. Top: This piece features the detail that is a trademark of Brent's work. Below: A mother fondly gazes at her child in this large carving. Below right: Brent's hands carry the cuts common to woodcarvers as he roughs out a Santa.