Columbus Alive: Barnes back at carving, music (2016)

Columbus Alive, September 28th, 2016:

While taking a break from carving out a niche for himself in the local music scene, Ricky Barnes started carving out a niche for himself in the art scene. By carving. 

“I was trying to get the music thing going,” said Barnes of his ’80s/’90s-era alt-country outfit High Sheriff Ricky Barnes & the Hoot Owls, which released a few albums on Columbus label OKra Records. But after a day spent on the water, a friend suggested another pursuit. 

“I was the worst, laziest fisherman,” Barnes said with a laugh. “I would always pick up a stick and just spend the whole time whittling.” 

Barnes’ earliest carving efforts were busts made from blocks of walnut or basswood. He had no tools, he said, and walnut is among the hardest of woods. 

“I just started doing it more and more and then sharing it with people. The rest is history,” he joked.