About

From Depression to Passion: The Inspiring Journey of Max Bogdan, a Wood Carver from Ukraine

Max Bogdan is just an ordinary guy from a small town on the shores of the Sea of Azov in Ukraine. He has always had a passion for drawing and sculpting, but never had any formal training in either of those areas. Max worked many jobs over the years, including airbrushing on cars and walls, and even worked for a newspaper, but he always felt unfulfilled.

In 2017 year a nuisance happened

In 2017, Max hit a rough patch when he lost two of his jobs and fell into a deep depression. However, one day he took a Dremmel from a friend and began to experiment with it. To his surprise, he found that he was able to create intricate engravings with ease. Soon after, he began carving chests and boxes, eventually selling his first carved box on Etsy for $10. This was a turning point for Max, as he realized that he had finally found his calling.

— I always loved to draw faces

Max had always loved drawing faces, and when he began carving, he found that he could use his passion for faces to create unique and intricate carvings. He started making pipes in the spring of 2018, using his drawing skills to create three-dimensional designs. He watched the works of various masters and learned from them, taking what he needed from each of them. He also watched many videos on YouTube, analyzing and memorizing the information he found there.

— I started making briar pipes in the spring of 2018

Max loves creating monsters and charismatic characters, and he strives to include as many small details as possible in his carvings. He also enjoys making recognizable faces, which he finds very rewarding. Max’s favorite material to work with is briar, which he finds much easier to carve than other woods due to its fine fibers.

And finally!

Max’s journey to becoming a successful carver was not easy. Many people told him that he was terrible at carving and that he should not pursue it as a career. However, Max refused to give up on his dream. He believes that everything happens for a reason, and that he was meant to find his calling in life. Today, Max is happy doing what he loves, even if he’s not a millionaire. He hopes that his story will inspire others to keep searching for their own passions in life, and to never be afraid to take risks and try new things.