Millions of views, recognizable characters, and a return to creativity during a difficult time. In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, Michael Gurrado sits down with Isaac Middlemiss, “The Woodcarving Man,” to explore how a childhood hobby became an outlet for anxiety and depression—and eventually reached a worldwide audience.
Isaac shares his journey from whittling sticks as a kid to rediscovering carving in his 30s. He reflects on his brother Jim’s encouragement and how carving a Cerberus helped him reconnect with making art. We also explore his pop-culture characters, his use of wood burning, and why his distinctive style resonates with carvers and people discovering the craft for the first time.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why consistency matters more than perfection
How pop-culture carvings can introduce new audiences to woodcarving
Handling negative comments and recognizing constructive criticism
Navigating copying, inspiration, and sharing original work online
Selling through art drops and building a presence across social platforms
Keeping hands-on creativity alive in an increasingly automated world
Isaac also talks about the beginner carving kit he’s developing with Sharky Forge Steel Tools and a giveaway for listeners.
Whether you’re an experienced carver or still waiting to feel “good enough” to start, Isaac offers a simple reminder: keep showing up, keep creating, and recognize that your work can make a difference to someone else.
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