Former salesman creates art out of wood

Jimmy Phillips has created hundreds of original wood carvings throughout Texas, including at Baytown Nature Center.

“I have fun creating things out of wood. I don’t have another job, so it means that I have to work every day. I have to make something every day and take time to sell it.

“I used to be a salesman, selling industrial equipment around Houston. I was never a wealthy man, but I became comfortable. Quitting was a tough thing to do. But it got to the point where I was not doing that job properly. I was driving around in the car doing commission maquettes. So I finally decided to go full time with my wood carving thing.

“It amazes me that it works. It amazes me that I’m able to feed myself. I often go to sleep at night wondering if anybody is going to want my stuff next week. But when I start feeling like that, I go make something new. That’s all you can do, make more stuff.”