Owen comes from a long line of woodworkers, craftsmen, and artisans. He had his own disk sander at the age of 5 or 6 and made many boats and battleships. By age 7 or 8 he had learned to put a good edge on his pocket-knife and became the main slingshot supplier for the neighborhood. Born in Central Kentucky, Owen lived a block away from Direct Millworks. He used to haul wood from their scrap bin in a little red wagon. He continued carving as a hobby until after his retirement.

In 1995, he went to work for Hopewell Farms Design Studio and began learning about art, style and selling his work. At age 44, his last child left the nest and he cashed in his retirement and bought a rundown farm. He started remodeling a 150-year old bank barn into a workshop/studio.

He now has 60 acres of woods and a sawmill that keeps him busy. “I now have all the carving toys a boy could ask for,” says Owen.

“I wanted to take shop and art in high school but the administration forced me into college prep courses,” said Owen. “It wasn't until after college that I started remodeling houses, restoring furniture, and carving gun stocks.” Owen settled into a career as a systems analyst and a family life that didn't allow time for woodworking.

Owen said, “My days find me struggling to escape to the pile of shavings in the barn and away from the business of making a living.“

Owen McAfee is a member of the Artisans Guild and has also taken art classes at Southern State Community College. Owen McAfee's art and wood carvings can be purchased at Southern State Community College or at his home in Russellville, Ohio.