(Click to view... 164KB)Although Lynn Doughty's carvings of the "Old West" are of a humorous nature, the carver from Jay, Okla., strives to make sure they remain correct in both detail and setting.
"From the grease bucket hanging from the rear axle of the Doctor's buggy, to the gold flakes in the bottom of the miner's pan, it's all there," says the self-taught carver.
The "Gold Nugget Saloon" is a work currently in progress. While the building is complete, the "population" is still arriving. Lynn plans to have about 15 figures in residence, not counting the stray dog or Diamond Lil's pet cat. The interior of the saloon is comprised of Lil's upstairs boudoir and the first-floor drinking establishment. These two areas are fully furnished with mirrored bar, pinao, card tables, Lil's traveling trunk and fully-functional sprung brass bed. ("We will never know if she was successful in enticing the recently-arrived cowhand who is tying up his horse to the corner hitching post," Lynn says.)
Lynn has been carving for about 25 years now. During this time, his works have won numerous awards and prizes and have been exhibited and sold across the U.S. and as far afield as Russia, Africa and New Zealand. All his work is original, and currently his carvings are available exclusively at The Old Homestead in Grove, Oklahoma.
This article, pictures of the carvings mentioned here, and MUCH more can be found in Chip Chats Volume 44, Issue #2.