Dwayne Gosnell sees infinite possibilities in a block of wood.
A chunk of cottonwood bark is a medieval cottage of stone and thatch. A bit of basswood is a slouching caricature of a cowboy. A wooden spoon is the loudest singer in the choir.
Four years ago Gosnell, 34, of Hickory decided to get himself a birthday present. He wound up in Klingspor's Woodworking Shop, where he spent $30 on a carving knife, a couple of gouges and a book on woodcarving.
His first project was a walking stick. It didn't turn out like he'd hoped but it's still one of his favorite carvings because it was the one that got him hooked on the hobby.
Gosnell spends four to five hours a day honing his craft and producing legions of whimsical wooden beings.
His skills have developed, as has his collection of tools. He's got a three-foot high toolbox to hold his collection of hand-made and antique knives and carving tools, along with assorted chunks of wood and half-finished projects.
"I'm like a fisherman with a new rod who's convinced he's going to catch a bigger fish because of it," he said.
Gosnell said he likes carving because it allows him to narrow his focus and leave behind the day's tension.
Having a stress-busting hobby is important for a man in Gosnell's line of work. He's a deputy in the Catawba County Sheriff's Office.
Gosnell said he's wanted to work in law enforcement ever since he got out of the Marine Corps but it took a while to reach his goal. He worked a series of retail jobs after a knee injury led to an honorable discharge in 1996.
In September 2008, Gosnell enrolled in Catawba Valley Community College's Basic Law Enforcement Training program.
He graduated in February 2009 and worked part-time in the Catawba County courthouse and jail until he got a full-time job on the road patrol this month.
"It's the only place I wanted to work," Gosnell said. "It was the only place I applied."
"I'm finally doing what I want to do."
Attaining his career goal hasn't dulled his enthusiasm for his hobby.
Gosnell is the president of the Catawba Valley Woodcarver's Club.
One of the group's fundamental goals is to encourage and mentor young woodcarvers.
One piece of advice Gosnell gives new carvers: The first thing you need is a carving glove for safety.
It took five trips to the emergency room and 28 stitches before he learned the hard way that buying a cut-resistant glove would be a good idea.
The woodcarver's club meets at Klingspor's Woodworking Shop from 7 to 9 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month.
For more information call 326-9663.
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