Relative Something

I have a new wood sculpture project in the works!

It was commissioned by Cyndie. She wants a new bangle bracelet made of wood. I’m happy to oblige! This is a slice from an oak branch that we scavenged from the woods a year ago. We saved it all this time to allow it to dry out in the rafters of the garage under cabin 3 up at the lake. During the 4th of July weekend I sawed this section from the branch and this weekend I am working on the opening. I have traced the inside of one of her metal bracelets to guide me on sizing the inner diameter.

Some of the pattern visible is a feature of burl wood. We were specifically out collecting just such specimens last year in the woods just north of our place near Hayward, WI. I have no specific design in mind for this bracelet, so I’m hoping when I get the inside sizing accomplished, I can explore how some of the grain patterns begin to stand out as I remove material and then let that inspire how the rest of the project unfolds. I have no idea yet if Cyndie even wants something near this wide, so I’ll also let her have a say on how much to reduce the width.

I was working on that opening this morning when nephew, Trygve, wandered over to investigate what I was up to. Later in the day, I brought it to the beach to work on while visiting with others. Shortly after I arrived, Tryg showed up with a block of his own wood that his dad cut for him and he sat next to me, sanding away like a mini-me. I think he will make a fine artist. Even at his young age, he demonstrates an amazing tenacity and voices a willingness to linger long on the task, even if it takes months to accomplish. Who said this younger generation are all suffering from attention deficit disorder?