Earnest Patton

b. 1935

Earnest Patton was born in Holly Creek, Kentucky into a subsistence farming family in 1935.  The oldest of four boys, Earnest was forced to leave school after second grade to work on the farm. Patton is one of the leading Kentucky wood carvers of the Campton School. By his own account, he began carving in his late twenties.  He was influenced by his renowned uncle, woodcarver Edgar Tolson.  Patton began carving animals and human figures from poplar linwood and finished with machinery paint.  “I do right by my family but I had to work like a mule,” he said.  Patton says that his only regret “sure wish I learned to read and write.” Patton’s work encompasses a wide range of subjects, including Biblical scenes, Uncle Sam, popular culture, and animals.  Patton works at a measured pace, which he attributes to “nerves.” He carves for periods of time and then takes extended leave to focus on other matters. The artist prides himself on his technique; he does only the most rudimentary work with an axe or saw and completes most of the work with a pocket knife. ²