Hi Alice, I heartily concur. When I took up leather carving 10 years ago, I searched in vain to find a really GOOD role model and discovered that there were very few carvers that approached the stardards I wanted to achieve. The VERY few doing really good work all seemed to be in their seventies and eighties and lived thousands of miles from here. Eventually, after participating in several competitions and exhibitions, I was able to see top notch work up close. I can tell you that Bill's work is comparable to that of Al Stohlman, Kat Kuzak, Peter Main, Bill Gomer and my personal hero Al Shelton. His carving is clean, precise and deep.
By the way I found out that EVERY leather carver is always asked "how much time did you do?" Yup, it used to be THE prison pre-occupation! You also get an insight into some "alternate" lifestyles. One of my first customers wanted a series of ornate dog collars . Jokingly I asked "Is this for your dog or your boy friend?" My husband. She answered.(with a very straight face)

Rick