SANTA YNEZ-- WORKING IN HIS Santa Ynez Valley studio sculptor Vern Parker puts the finishing touches on a work horse which may easily find its way to the East Coast or to a local ranch, since Parker's work is in demand all over the country. Complete in every detail, even down to its harness, the horse is typical of the life-like wood sculpting of the artist.News-Press photo.
VERN PARKER CREATES LIFE-LIKE ANIMAL CARVINGS by GRACE L. DAVISON SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Oct. 1.With only a handful of tools, Vern Parker, of Santa Ynez Valley, artist and sculptor of wood, brings horses and riders, cattle and other animals, vividly to life out of solid blocks of shapeless wood. Visiting this workshop, which is the back yard of his small home on El Roblar Ave., one is amazed and delighted at the originality and beauty created by his clever fingers.
During the past week he completed a large order for Maryland Farms in Tennessee Valley, which specializes in American saddle horses. There are 14 pieces in this set, all perfect replicas of some of the famous horses on the farm. They range in height from a few inches to 30 inches, and are wrought from sugar pine, the wood which lends itself most admirably to this particular work of sculpture. It required 17 running feet of 3x20 inches for this construction. Two large horses painted in natural color are mounted on large round balls, and will adorn the gateposts which mark the driveway of the Maryland Farms. Parker works from pencil and watercolor sketches which he has made from life.
His art is found at many cattle and horse ranches and farms from coast to coast. For a time, one of his sculptured designs was on display by the Department of Interior at Washington. It was carved entirely from redwood, and depicted the Yosemite stage coach and horses passing through the hollowed out redwood in the Mariposa Grove of big trees. He has also worked extensively in oils. His murals, covering some 30,000 square feet, adorn the walls of two grade school buildings, the Masonic Hall, and the Boiler Maker's Union Hall in Tampa, Fla. Parker has lived in the valley for six years. He makes no bid for work, yet has been sought out by prominent ranchers to create individual signs for their ranches.
A LIFE-LIKE bear, the work of wood sculptor Vern Parker, surmounts the San Marcos Ranch sign, making of it a sculptured trademark. Parker's work is in demand all over the country because of its stamp of individuality.News-Press photo.
Above Mattei's Tavern porch entrance one can see one of Parkers famous and much talked-of signs, and old stagecoach and six. He has on his workbench, an old Conrad Coach in miniature, the six well-rounded horses showing characteristic action so well remembered. No detail is lacking. The driver in his high seat, the long-lashed whip and its socket, the express box with a tiny padlock, the well-filled boot,and the balanced springs; all are there to the most critical observer. Also on that bench, covered with such fascinating things, is a Texas cowboy mounted upon his cow pony. His saddle is mounted with sterling silver, as is the bridle and the tiny silver spurs, with a silver rowel which will revolve a 30-30 hanging from his saddle. A tiny six-gun is in the holster strapped to his body. From the cigarette in his mouth to his chaps, he is perfect. The pack animal he leads is correct in every detail, too. Also on the bench, there is a Texas longhorn with his long pointed horns, and baleful expression staring at one, along with other animals standing side by side, or peeking at one from around corners.
Parker is not one to blow his own trumpet, but he is generous in answering questions about his art. He believes that he is the only person in California who sculpts in wood with only hand tools, making use of no mechanical devices to aid him. He works in several mediums besides wood. In his large book of designs, his pencil sketches are excellent, and his watercolors lovely. One of his best pieces is a 9-inch horse which adorns the desk of the famous radio commentator Lowell Thomas. The saddle and bridle of the horse are sterling silver mounted. Also the pride of Red Foley of Grand old Opry fame is a sculptured set of a saddle horse and packhorse, clearly and accurately detailed.
MOUNTING A MOUNTED rider on a sign, Vern Parker makes another sign completely individual by the addition of one of his wood carvings.--News-Press photo.
To the proper thrill of man of these creations is to see them in many parts of Santa Ynez Valley, on the San Marcos Ranch, where big bears and little bears can be seen. They are also found on the Hereford ranches of the J. J. Mitchells, the Walter Duffs, the Otto V. Battles, the J. V. Moores, and the Ted Chamberlins, to mention but a few. Parker was born in Hanford. His father was a wagon-maker of ability, and the boys earliest recollections are connected with working with wood. He studied under excellent teachers, and now devotes his entire time to his art, specializing in wood sculpture. He works from 6 to 8 hours every day, and enjoys every minute of it. Right here in our own valley is an opportunity for school children to learn what can be done with hands, and Parker would welcome them as visitors to his shop. One of his objects in giving this story to the public is for the encouragement of young people, enabling them to see and appreciate the beauty in the art of wood-sculpture.
