Hand Carved Carousel Animals at Coos Art Museum

Hand carved life size wooden carousel (Merry-Go-Rounds) animals by Ken Means, on display in the Maggie Karl Gallery. Ken Means is a Coquille, OR artist.

What makes Ken Means unique among Carousel Carvers?

Ken Means is a master craftsman. His journey from the imagination to the finished animal takes him through all aspects of the creative process. Once the design of the animal is decided upon, Ken works through the myriad of mathematical calculations, getting the various angles just right. He planes the wood, laminates the individual pieces, paying special attention to the flow of the wood grain, and constructs the planks himself so there are no mistakes.

Ken cleverly exaggerates different animal characteristics, chiseling the features with steady hand till he achieves his desired effect. He envisions the trappings, and he schemes the colours that grace his figures. He skillfully blends the paints and spends countless hours laying brush to his creatures, eventually bringing them to life. His understanding of animal anatomy, attention to detail and his creative vision combine to create carousel animals with enormous depth and dimension.

Coos Art Museum
December 9, 2005 - February 11, 2006

235 Anderson Avenue
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420
(541) 267-3901

Tues - Fri, 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday, 1pm to 4 pm
Closed Sunday, Monday and all major holidays

For additional information about Ken Means, his bio or more pics, please contact:
Tsianina
hypercow10@aol.com
310-927-0116