Tom Tomasian’s Carvings Are for the Birds

Tom Tomasian read and studied other master carvers, joining classes that came along. It took him eight years just to get the basics down. From there came the more intricate strokes.

Tomasian uses either tupelo or basswood for his carvings. He uses a knife and power carver to remove wood.  The process can be dusty and he suctions to control the debris.

“My pieces are very special to me,” he said. “I try to create a museum piece with each subject. Only recently have I considered selling my work.  Ninety pieces are on display in my home and I enjoy sharing them with my friends.”

Tomasian and his wife, Martha, are parents to three children, and have eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

After graduating from Tufts Dental School in 1965, he set up a practice on Cape Cod that extended 43 years in West Harwich. His brother, Ralph, joined him in 1969. They sold the practice a year ago.

Martha is also an artist and lends a hand when asked. Together, they will display their work in November at a 2-week show at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in South Yarmouth.  Tomasian also has another fall show planned at The Green Briar Nature Center in nearby Sandwich.

“Martha’s paintings are abstracts that represent a reflection of her soul,” Tomasian pointed out. “The colors are magnificent. Her artwork decorates our home and makes it an inspiring place to live.”

Apart from his carving, Tomasian is an avid golfer and deals with investments.  As for the future, health and family remains top priority. What’s his next bird?

“I’m carving a snowy owl that has just finished eating a duck,” he reveals. “It’s in flight with wings extended and measures up to becoming a complex piece.”