Jim Cawthorn started carving in 1989 for something to do during his lunch hour at work. His first attempt was a Santa Claus that closely resembled an Eskimo when finished. That first carving sold, however, when someone wanted a carving of an Eskimo. Jim was born in Edmonton, Kentucky in 1943 and grew up in rural Illinois. His Grandfather was also a carver in Kentucky and Jim always marveled at what he saw his Grandfather create with only a small pocketknife.

Jim loves to carve, scroll saw and make walking sticks and canes. Every piece of wood has its own personality and character. If that can be discovered and displayed, it is a job well done. Caricatures are usually created from Basswood, Jelutong or Ginko because they hold detail well and are easily painted.

Jim and his wife, Peg, who is a wood burning artist, live in Avon, Indiana and display and sell their creations at craft fairs. Both are members of Montgomery Wood Carvers and also to the International Wood Collectors Society.