Ep 4. The Stone Carver

In episode 4 of A Craftsman's Legacy's first season, we get introduced to a modern-day stone carver. The stone carver in question is Fred Cogelow. He's a self-taught carver who has been pursuing his craft for over 40 years. Cogelow carves anything from small trinkets to intricate sculptures. In the episode, Cogelow takes us on a tour of his studio, which is nestled in the woods near Stillwater, Minnesota.

The episode begins with host Eric Gorges arriving at Cogelow's studio. As soon as Gorges steps into the studio, he is greeted by a pair of stone bears that Cogelow had recently created. Cogelow talks about how he prefers to work with the natural shape of the stones he uses instead of trying to shape them into something specific. He enjoys the challenge of creating something beautiful out of the natural curves and shapes of the stone.

We also get to see Cogelow's process for carving stones. Cogelow uses an air hammer and various chisels to carve his sculptures. He works a little bit at a time, repeatedly going over the stone until the desired shape emerges. Cogelow likens his work to a puzzle. He says he starts with an overall shape in mind, but he allows the stone to dictate the final product.

Throughout the episode, Cogelow shares stories of the various projects he has worked on throughout his 40-year career. One particularly memorable project was a commission from a wealthy couple in Wyoming. They wanted Cogelow to create a sculpture of a bucking bronco, and they wanted it to be massive – 20 feet tall to be exact. Cogelow had never worked on anything that was so big, but he accepted the commission nonetheless. He spent two years working on and off on the sculpture until it was finally completed. The couple was thrilled with the final product, and they continue to commission work from Cogelow to this day.

Another project that Cogelow talks about is a series of sculptures that he created for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The sculptures were commissioned to commemorate the significant contributions made by the many volunteers who helped the clinic. Cogelow's sculptures can be found throughout the hospital, including the lobby and the chapel.

Throughout the episode, we also get to see Cogelow in action. He works on a small sculpture of a dog while describing his carving techniques. He shows Gorges how he uses different chisels to create specific textures on the stone. He also talks about the importance of patience when working on stone. Cogelow is a perfectionist, and he takes his time to ensure that each detail is just right.

Overall, the episode is a fascinating look at the life of a modern-day stone carver. Cogelow is a true master of his craft, and his passion for stone carving is evident throughout the episode. Watching him work is mesmerizing, and it's easy to see how much joy he gets from creating beautiful sculptures out of raw stone. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates art and the people who create it.