City Daily Photo Theme Day - The Creative Artisan

Ira Chaffin is a world renowned sculptor living right here in Birmingham.  He is well known for his portrait sculptures,  but today I share a sample of his carousel horse and menagerie work.  I found thepieces as beautiful as the finished pieces.  The Ira Chaffin Carousel Carving School is an amazing place to visit and photograph.

Today is City Daily Photo Theme day and photobloggers around the world are sharing creative artisans in their city.  Click HERE to see them all.

Meet Ira Chaffin

Renowed sculptor Ira Chaffin calls Bimringham home and last Friday I had the pleasure of meeting him in his Chaffin Carousel Carving School (www.irachaffinsculpture.com).  He's moved from being above Dave's Pub in Historic Five Points at corner of 20th Street South and Highland Avenue South, to 1/2 block away in lower level of Hassinger Daniels Mansion, 2028 Highland Avenue South, which he and his wife are restoring.  It is a wonderful Victorian 1898 home they're converting into a Bed and Breakfast.  He apologized for the present state of his carving studio due to the construction,  but my friends and I didn't mind a bit.  We spent a delightful hour getting a tour, which included much of his work, as well as pieces from his carousel animal carving school as well (www.chaffincarouselcarvingschool.com).  Today's posting is the Artist and two of his sculptures.  There will be many more photographs to come!