Sharing the art of woodcarving with the community

Jerry Gin’s Wildlife Sculptures, Woodcarving Gallery

Written by

July 31, 2026

Since joining the Santa Clara Valley Carvers in 2002, Jerry Gin has been a dedicated member whose artistic contributions go far beyond his individual pieces. Jerry served as club president for four years and later chaired several exhibitions throughout the 2000s, helping to shape and promote the work of woodcarvers across our community. The gallery below showcases a selection of Jerry’s diverse wildlife sculptures, from animal subjects rendered in stunning detail to abstract forms that capture the natural spirit of burl and hardwood. Explore his collection of pieces that have earned recognition at club shows, each demonstrating years of refined skill and creative vision.

A circular wooden object, a decorative trivet, featuring an intricate stone inlay of a cherry blossom tree (Sakura). The twisting, gnarled trunk and branches are crafted from a dark, speckled grey stone that contrasts with the light, natural wood grain background. Clusters of pink and white speckled stones represent the blossoms blooming on the upper branches. The central design is surrounded by a wide band of matching dark stone, bordered by thin inlaid lines.

Sacura stone inlay by Jerry Gin, 2010.

Size: ? Any other details?

A close-up view of a wood carving by artist Jerry Gin depicting the head of a tiger as part of his collection of wildlife sculptures. The sculpture rests on a flat stone base with embedded black speckles. The animal features detailed painted fur textures, amber eyes, and a pink nose. To the left, partially out of frame, is a terracotta-colored object decorated with blue spiral designs.

Tiger head, 2011.

This image displays a detailed wood carving of a mountain lion head and neck, mounted on a round wooden base. The sculpture features intricate texture simulating fur with fine lines, along with distinct dark spots on the cheek and jawline. The cougar has upright ears, a pink nose, and is looking slightly downward to the right. In the background, slightly out of focus, are artist's tools including a canvas roll holding paintbrushes and pencil reference sketches of a mountain lion face taped to a surface, indicating an art studio setting.

Mountain Lion’s head, 2011.

A close-up view of a sculpture depicting a lion's head with rough, textured brown fur, small rounded ears, and amber eyes. The lion features a prominent white muzzle and a pinkish-purple nose, resting on a grey, stone-like base. This wood carving was created by Jerry Gin in 2011.

Lion’s head, 2011.

Abstract wooden sculpture by Jerry Gin featuring a dynamic, upward-curving form with polished reddish-brown and natural light wood tones, displayed next to blue and green award ribbons.

Abstract wooden sculpture, 2011.

Swirling Form (2011), an abstract woodcarving by Jerry Gin, a member of Santa Clara Valley Carvers. The sculpture features smooth, curved hardwood with upward-reaching knotted branches and a central hollow containing fibrous material. A purple-and-white award ribbon sits at the base. The photograph captures both the original piece and its mirror reflection alongside another wooden carving visible to the left.

“Swirling Form” (2011) showcases organic abstraction carved from natural burl wood, with flowing curves meeting rugged branch-like protrusions. This award-winning piece exemplifies the artist’s skill in transforming raw timber into evocative three-dimensional form.

This image features "The Keeper," a wood-carved dragon sculpture by artist Jerry Gin, a member of Santa Clara Valley Carvers. The piece shows an intricately detailed dragon head with open jaws revealing pointed teeth, closed eyes, and textured horns. Beneath the dragon's neck is a sculpted claw cradling an egg-shaped geode stone. The photograph captures both the original carving and its mirror reflection, creating a symmetrical composition that displays two matching dragon forms side by side on rough-hewn wood slab bases.

“The Keeper” (2011), showcasing masterful detail from the artist Jerry Gin. The sculpture presents a dragon with a fierce expression, its clawed forepaws protecting a crystalline geode treasure—a symbolic guardian of precious stones captured in warm-toned hardwood.

A close-up side view of a polished walnut wood carving of a horse's head and neck. The reddish-brown timber features prominent grain patterns and knots, with the mane carved in textured, backward-flowing strands. The sculpture rests on a wooden railing against a dark background. This piece is part of Jerry Gin's woodcarving gallery.

Horse head carved from walnut, 2011.

A realistic wood carving of a male Western Tanager by artist Jerry Gin, featuring a salmon-red head, bright yellow body, and black wings with yellow bars, perched on a rough piece of dark burl wood. The carving is part of Jerry's collection of wildlife sculptures.

A realistic wood carving of a male Western Tanager by artist Jerry Gin, 2008.

Visit & Support Local Woodcarvers

We encourage you to explore Jerry Gin’s work and the work of fellow members of the Santa Clara Valley Carvers. If you’d like to see more in person or attend an upcoming exhibition, check our club calendar for show dates and carving hours. Our community is proud to showcase artists like Jerry who continue to inspire through their craftsmanship and dedication to the woodcarving tradition.