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The art of carving fans from one piece
of wood has flourished in northern Europe for untold generations. Immigrant
lumberjacks introduced the art to Michigan in the 19th century. During
long winter evenings the lumberjacks sat near the stove and carved and
sang and told stories.
Glen's great-grandfather C.M. Van Antwerp (circled on right) and
grandfather Elmer Van Antwerp (circled on left) with other loggers at
a circa 1910 steam-powered sawmill. Photo courtesy of Ruth Cole
My grandfather Elmer Van Antwerp was a third-generation Michigan logger
who learned cedar fan carving in this kind of setting. Later, he taught
my father and later yet my grandfather and father taught me how to carve
fans. In turn, I taught the art to my children and hope to teach my
grandchildren someday.
The next four generations of Van Antwerps at the
National Folk Festival in 2001 when Glen was awarded the Michigan
Heritage Award. From left to right: Stanley, Glen, Jeremy, and James
Van Antwerp(front). Photo Jennifer VanAntwerp
I live near Cadillac, Michigan on property that has been family land
for a century. I harvest Northern White Cedar from my own land, using
windfall timber and saving living trees for future generations. My favorite
carvings come from the deeply weathered wood of old split-cedar fence
posts.
A few fallen trees in the Van Antwerp cedar swamp
awaiting springtime and harvest. Photo Jeremy VanAntwerp
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