Bird-carver turns obsession into devotion
MARTENSVILLE, SK—For Saskatchewan bird carver Cam Merkle, carving is more than a hobby; it's an act of worship.
"I'm not doing this so I can win a bunch of awards," says Merkle, who is entering a pair of hummingbirds into the master's division of Maryland's annual Ward World Championships this April. "I'm doing this to engage people in creation, and in our Creator."
For the past few years, the founder of Razertip Industries—a business that sells woodcarving tools—has submitted intricate bird carvings to the Ward championships. Last year Merkle placed second in the World's Miniatures Division.
"In my small way, I'm trying to show people what a creative God we have [by] imitating the amazing things that God is doing," Merkle says.
When he's not showing carvings, Merkle is overseeing Razertip, a company he founded 25 years ago when stores began inquiring about the tools Merkle had developed for carving.
Pyrography—or artistic woodburning—is an art form used by many bird-carving enthusiasts to add detail to their carvings. Merkle's business consists of nine employees who manufacture and ship specialized tools world-wide. "One of our tools is even in use at the South Pole," says Merkle. Every Thursday he meets with an accountability group of Christian business owners committed to honouring God.
Merkle first became intrigued by wood carving as a boy and took up the hobby himself. As an adult he developed his own tools, immersed himself in carving and studied birds' anatomy.
But his passion eventually turned into an obsession. Merkle's marriage began to dissolve. In the fall of 1988 his wife left the relationship, taking their two kids with her.
"An obsession had ruined my life," says Merkle.
At the time, he was an agnostic. In 1991 an acquaintance from high school invited Merkle to a weekly paper-bag luncheon with a pastor. "Through the process of these meetings, I came to the understanding that Jesus was exactly who He claimed to be," says Merkle.
Today Merkle is committed to acknowledging Jesus through his world-class carvings. "There was this realization, years ago, that it's like an act of worship," he says. "I'm so glad God gave me these abilities, and I want to be able to say, at the end of the day, that I've done the best I'm able to do."
Dear Readers:
ChristianWeek relies on your generous support. please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.
Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt.Thank you, from Christianweek.
