Conversations with Johnny Busby

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Busby

Hi Johnny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Woodland Park in 2006 and fell in love with the small Town. Having a CDL, I acquired a job at a small company called Material Management . While working there I noticed a man carving small bears using a chainsaw and became very intrigued with this rustic form of art.
Having a nack for art I knew that this was something I could do , so I began by creating small, roughly cut, little bears holding welcome signs. At first I sold them on the side of the road, to people at the church, and several friends. But then I discovered a man named Bill, he owned a storefront in Manitou Springs and he began to purchase every bear I made at a wholesale rate. I sold to him for more than 8 years, as well as to few shops in Breckenridge and Keystone.
My artwork has evolved drastically through the years. I opened my own shop for about 3 years in Woodland Park Co, but request for custom carvings became my main source of income and I decided to cut out the overhead of having a building. Now the only carvings I make are strictly by commission only.
I give all credit for my success to God, my family, and every customer that has put their confidence in my abilities.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest part was the very beginning. The job I had was not very good pay, especially having 4 children. Making the decision to cut out having a regular job and focus entirely on making small bears for a living was a leap of faith.
There were times I pawned a few belongings just to have gas and oil for my saw so I could keep making bears. I even cut and sold firewood to be able to survive. The pawn shop in Woodland Park would even buy a few bears from me to retail.
But it became a very consistent paycheck when I started selling to retail shops at a wholesale rate. And as my bears evolved they began to sell very well for these shops. The shop owners, especially Bill in Manitou Springs, requested more bears every week.
The decision to open my own shop was a major learning experience. The greatest lesson I learned was that I’m an artist more than I am a business man. And as long as i keep carving, and trying to improve upon every piece I make, that people will keep commissioning me.
I believe these few rules are the keys to my success: put God and family first, “carve or starve ” and ” make every piece better than the last one”
Never forget that there is always room for improvement!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am primarily a wood carver. I specialize in, but not limited to, creating sculptures of Colorado Wildlife. People know me for creating fairly large scale carvings from a tree stump at their home, business, as well as some city parks and HOA.
What I am most proud of is my wife and family, of course, and the fact that I’m able to provide for them using the gifts given me by God.
I like to believe what sets me apart is my gratitude. I am so grateful for what I’m able to do and so thankful for every person that has put their confidence in me. I pray that I never take these things for granted.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, not to listen to the negative. Hold to your conviction. No matter the obstacles, if you keep your hands to the plow hard times can be the most successful times. Respect everyone.

Pricing:

• My minimum for any custom work is $2000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Buzzsawbusby.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buzzsawbusby_arts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buzzsawbusby