By TR Robertson
Vista woodcarver John Elsebusch has a philosophy of “If you can imagine it, I can create it” when carving his realistic, life-sized animal sculptures. Working with a variety of wood types, he said he has been carving since he was 9. He said he remembers carving small animal heads during a Cub Scout camp-out. His artistic ability led him not only to carve in wood but also to oil and acrylic painting, sketching, and even airbrushing designs for T-shirts. A 13-year employee of Lockheed, he was one of 27,000 people laid off in 1978, which led him to devote more time to a passion he had, carving in wood. John and his wife of 9 years have lived in Vista for 9 years. His house, garage, and workshop are a collection of beautiful life-sized animal carvings and furniture items he has made and is working on, as well as beautiful artistic wood burls and other wooden designs his wife, Mary Ann, makes and is working on.
John and Mary Ann said they use a variety of wood types for their designs, including avocado, juniper, Redwood, Manzanita, torrey pine, Poplar, Oak, and more. He said Cedar is his favorite to work with. John’s carvings appear in individual homes, private collections, art galleries, wineries, hotels, lobbies, just about anywhere. He said they are perfect for lodges, cabins, museums, zoos, anywhere animals can be found. John said he designed and carved a beautiful Christmas door and arch for a local Vista resident and an even more impressive large Christmas bench that is now in a church. A massive full-scale buffalo was carved for the San Jacinto Buffalo Ranch, and a large door entry way and arch can be found at the South Coast Winery and Resort in Temecula, and a full-sized mountain lion is in the bar at the Resort. He has entered the wood working display area at the San Diego County Fair and won “People’s Choice” several years ago with his massive eagle with spread wings. John said he will be entering three woodworking carvings this year, including the huge lion carving.
If you are interested in having him carve your favorite animal in any kind of pose, contact him as he says, “I can create anything you desire”. His work does go beyond woodwork as he carves and makes tables and stands, paintings and pencil sketches can be found in his home and don’t forget the beautiful artistic wood pieces wife Mary Ann makes using different types of wood and a variety of stones and glass pieces to create unique wall and stand-alone designs. Call him at 951-403-0502 to set up an appointment. His web site is www.elsebusculptures.com,
