On the southern tip of Nova Scotia lies the quaint, tight-knit community of Doctor’s Cove, a small fishing village that thrives off the Atlantic Ocean. The majority of the people here are deeply intertwined with the fishing industry—whether they’re on the water, working in fish plants, or managing the transportation of seafood. For many, this industry isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life that flows through the community. Even those not directly involved in fishing benefit from the profession, as it supports local businesses, restaurants, shops, schools, and even hockey arenas.
Among the many residents whose life has been shaped by the ocean is Wayne Smith, a man who has worn many hats over the years—fisherman, mechanic in a fish processing facility, small engine repairman, and dedicated family man as a husband, father, and grandfather. However, in recent years, Wayne has become known for something entirely different: his intricate and heartfelt wood carvings.
Wayne Smith in his workshop with his latest carving.
Wayne’s wood carving journey began back in 2008, in a small room in his basement. His first project was a “five-minute wizard,” but as he humorously recalls, it took him three hours. Since that humble beginning, Wayne estimates he’s completed “literally thousands” of carvings, with 200 Christmas ornaments being part of his annual repertoire. His work varies in detail—while a typical Santa ornament may take about an hour and a half to carve and another hour to paint, some of his larger pieces, like tabletop figurines of Toronto Blue Jays players, hunters, or fishermen, are far more intricate. He has sold his carvings at the local craft markets, as well as the Museum and giftshop at the Old Court House in Barrington, a neighboring community.
What makes Wayne’s work unique is that he doesn’t take commissions or fulfill special requests. Instead, he carves “what strikes my fancy,” preserving the joy and creative freedom that comes with carving for himself and his loved ones. Whether it’s a small ornament or a more detailed piece, each carving is crafted with care and attention to detail, a reflection of the passion Wayne has poured into his hobby over the years. His favourite project to carve is a character who is 'dressed in camo, rubber boots and a baseball style hat... every day dress code for the guys who live around here, who I affectionately refer to as SSRN's - South Shore Red Necks', a nod to Doctor's Cove being located on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.
Wayne sources his carving materials from several places, though he notes that the best basswood for carving, by general consensus in the carving community, comes from Wisconsin. He’s previously purchased wood from Heinecke Wood in Cumberland, Wisconsin, which happens to be just an hour from McDonough’s shop, as well as from London Lumber in Dieppe, New Brunswick, located about 2.5 hours from McDonough’s Canadian operation in Woodstock.
Wayne Smith’s story is a reminder of the power of passion and creativity, no matter where life takes you. After decades of hard work in the fishing industry, he found joy in a new craft, one that connects him to people through each carefully carved piece. It’s a testament to the strength of small communities like Doctor’s Cove, where life is driven by the rhythms of the sea, yet enriched by the personal passions and talents that surface along the way. Wayne’s carvings may have started as a hobby, but they now reflect the creativity that thrives in places like Doctor’s Cove, where people’s lives are shaped by both their work and their passions.
