Cottonwood Bark is harvested from standing or fallen dead trees. In some areas it can grow as thick as 6".
All in this album have been sold, but I am always working on more, so feel free to contact me.

This Violin Spirit was carved as a gift for my sister, a fiddle player. A large carving, I divided it in two parts to show the detail. The hair and beard on the right almost form a G-clef.

The lower part of the Violin Spirit. Here the beard wraps around the violin.

Although traditionally many wood spirits were grotesque to frighten off evil, I prefer to portray them as gentle souls. I like the color contrast that the outer bark provides, so I try to keep as much of it as possible.

Expressions and carvings vary with the shape of the cottonwood bark piece.

The deep crevice in this piece of bark was a challenge to work with, but did provide an interesting result.

Native American Wood Spirit.
I have profound respect for the relationship that Native American culture has with the land. The trees and the earth they grow in must have, through the years, absorbed this spirit.

Another Native American Wood Spirit.

This fellow was carved in a piece of butternut that was over 20 years old.

"Babushka"
As a woman, and an aging one at that, I am more and more compelled to portray women as spiritual, nurturing, and gentle but strong; to glorify the wrinkles that we have earned and the wisdom we have acquired.

"The Flower Lady", with her look of both determination and softness.

"Wild Woman" was carved for a special person. Don't miss the little macaw tucked into her hair.

This happy guy was found hiding in a piece of driftwood.

Wood spirits can be found in the most unlikely places. This guy was found in a 6-foot cedar fence post.

During the big ice storm of '98 my neighbor and friend lost several trees which were ultimately cut up for firewood. I grabbed this piece of wood and when she later moved I was able to give back a piece of her old home.

"The Healer"
This wise and gentle woman is surrounded by birch branches, often representative of healing.

Cottonwood Bark -- approximately 20" X 4 1/2"