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woodezine - Volume
III - Issue IV - April 2005
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Eugene Pentz
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Eugene J. Pentz was born in Hungary in 1947. He began his artistic career as a master woodcarver and sculptor with his father. A three-year apprenticeship in Budapest, studying under the leading Hungarian master carvers, refined his carving talents while he attended a fine arts school. |
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In 1970, after touring Europe, he and his wife immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto. Eugene found work as a woodcarver while learning English at night. The "Everlasting Bouquet" shown below (with a detail below right), is a prime example of a "One of a Kind" piece of work by Eugene. It showcases the unique talent of this master carver. |
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The main roses and background were carved out of 3" thick basswood. Six other roses were individually carved and inserted, to creat a three-dimentional, half-bouquet effect. The curtains and shelf were carved separately, also out of basswood, and mounted to the base. The Florentine frame also is basswood, with 22.5k gold leaf. The complete work measures 34" x 47.5".
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The Everlasting Bouquet earned a first place ribbon for the "Carver's Choice" award at the Brant Festival in Parksville, BC, in 1999. |
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At right is an example of a red oak exterior door, called "A Touch of Scotland", complete with a glazed side panel. Below is one of Eugene's wonderful boxes, decorated with floral carving. It measures 8" x 15" x 8" and can be customized with a favorite flower motif.
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| Eugene has participated in many group and individual exhibitions since coming to Canada. His original ornamental carvings and sculptures can be found all over the world in private homes and in the offices of major corporations such as Euro-Disney. Below is one of his many exquisitely carved fireplace mantels. |
| In 1985, Eugene and his family moved to Vancouver B.C., where for three years he worked on the hand-carved staircase shown below, and a dining room set for a West Vancouver private home. The staircase was designed and built by Eugene, and there are more photos of it on his site. |
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After that, the family returned to the BC interior, settling in Invermere in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. One of Eugene's specialties is family and corporate coats of arms like the one shown below.
At right is his carving, "Stairway to the Past". In 1998, Eugene re-located to Chemainus, Vancouver Island, BC, where he is surrounded by world-famous murals which are visited by several hundred thousand people annually from around the globe. |
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All text and images on this page are copyrighted and used with the artist's permission. |