Carving Tree Branches Back to Life! Wood Spirits • History, My Carvings, and Amazing Works of Others
To the ancient Greeks and Romans, trees were thought to be inhabited by female spirits called Dryad (in oak trees) or Meliae (in ash trees). In Greek drys signifies 'Oak' from an Indo-European root *derew(o)- 'tree' or 'wood'. In Scottish folklore a friendly tree spirit, called the Ghillie Dhu, helps lost children find their way home. Japan is home to a rich tradition encompassing various tree spirits, generally called Kodama. Traditionally, foresters made offerings to the Kodama before cutting a tree down. text source
Beauty is in the 'eye' of the "tree-holder"
sourceThere is something about carving wood that gives me a sense of connection. I feel deeply connected to nature and to the Earth. For me, it's one of the few ways to relax my mind. I find great joy in the hunt as well.
❤️🌲LOVE THE TREES 🌲❤️
As a member of the Arbor Day Foundation, I plant a lot of trees. I have a variety of trees on my property (various maples, apple, pine, birch, dogwood, oak, and more). It's constant upkeep, but I suppose all that fresh oxygen makes it well worth it.
Trees naturally prune themselves, known as self-pruning. That means plenty of branches to pick up, all year, but I won't complain! When branches fall, I'm ready to collect. Some of these branches end up in a fire and some will become art or furniture. I even 'chunk' larger branches and make my own lump hardwood charcoal for cooking! The tiny pieces get crushed and spread for compost. I try to use everything the trees will give me.
Release the Wood Spirit!
You might be surprised what some people see - it's not just a tree branch! Others see an opportunity to create. Wood spirits, regardless of which legend or lore you subscribe to, offer a sort of 'connection' with its creator. There are innumerable tutorials on how to carve a wood spirit, but if you're like me then you don't mind freestyling. I did not plan my designs, I decided to just wing it!
You will need:
a sharp knife and/or carving tools, wood, and imagination.
I worked with a guy, in the graphics/sign business, who is now a part of the Bear Hollow Wood Carvers group - Highly skilled people! They produce some AMAZING woodworks. After seeing this chainsaw art in person, it made me feel like I needed to carve something, anything!
So Here's My Work in Progress
What I really enjoy is that I can pick it up and put it down as I wish. It's something I do every so often and I find it very relaxing.
HELPFUL LINKS FOR CARVING YOUR OWN WOOD SPIRITS:
See some WOODSPIRIT CARVINGS BY STEPHEN GIBBS
Learn from THIS GREAT TUTORIAL VIA WOOD CARVER'S CABIN ONLINE
Have your mind blown = WATCH THESE GUYS CARVE WITH CHAINSAWS!!
Very cool, @grow-pro! There is something so rewarding about making something with your hands! Looks like a lot of fun!
Remember: Cut away from yourself!
Haha, yea...I've learned every way to cut myself
Never once has the knife attacked me though..
😆
You're right though, @richhersey.. There's nothing like the reward of making/fixing something with your hands.
Haha @grow-pro you make hogwarts sculpting and cutting yourself an art bro! I still have to finish my Gandolf staff!
My next oldest brother carves wood and sells the results online. @ligneous would be very interested in this post! I'll make sure he knows about it.
If someone asked me to give a single word to describe what I felt about trees, the world would be life. A forest can sustain life indefinitely. I'll never live far from one.
Thanks for this quality post, friend. It was very well researched, written, and formatted!
That's awesome! I'm not even close to selling work, but it is a very rewarding way to relax 😋
I have a deep respect for the forest like you, @finnian. They are a necessary staple of life and I'd rather get lost in the woods than on an island any day!
Now I want to see some carving work, let's go @ligneous {nudge}
I love quality woodwork and it's something I'm slowly (very slowly) educating myself on.
THANK YOU
Man, in high school @ligneous would make beautiful pieces of furniture. He was ridiculed and made fun of for being the "teacher's pet" even. That's how good he was/is. It is definitely one of his primary passions. I too wish he would share more of his art here. People would definitely appreciate it!
I hope you can convince him to share! I'll pay to see..lol 💸 $5 STEEM If he does 😋
I have the remnants of an old apple orchard here, the old stumps are marvelous. One of these days I am going to make little gnome welcome mats and mailboxes and decorate them properly.
🏆 that's a great idea, @fishyculture!! Now you've got my brain going.. I thought the Keebler elves lived in a tree out front of my house until I was 8..😳
Can't wait to see that stump village! Don't let me miss that, please!
Maybe they just moved out when you were 8? ;)
L😆L
That's a good way to think about it
are they canes?
This one here is fairly small (sits on my desk)
This is a garden stake - a pointy knife-like end - he's part of the garden security ;)
I have a cane started as well (for my uncle), but I have been making walking/hiking sticks mostly. It's a very relaxing hobby and there are so many inspiring works on the web.. I had to try!
Look What I got 😆
I have a real appreciation for a fine piece of wood. I guess my grandfather passed that to me...I loved the guys with the chainsaws. What they are able to create is amazing. I wish I could carve but it's just not a talent I inherited...
@cecicastor, I think that skill comes with time and great effort - never say never 😋
I wish I could create some chainsaw carvings without risking a limb, but I know I'm far too clumsy! Especially with a crowd around me - someone is getting hurt..lol
Chainsaws and I don't see eye to eye...something about being a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands...lol
I was in Maine once for a summer vacation, and there was a previously famous chainsaw carver there with his tourist shop,etc. He was missing two of his fingers. No one had to ask why...
😆 Just turned this into a math problem for my kids.. Hey two lessons in one..haha
This guy whacks two fingers off. How many digits can he count on his fingers now? Don't play with a chain saw, ok kids!
hahahaHAHA I'm tempted to try and find the guy. Apparently, he was pretty famous. For example, he would use chain saws to carve very small things like pencils. /boggle
Let's see if @cleverbot would like to comment
Thank you for sharing!
This is amazing.
I have actually done a lot of wood cuting my self, end everything i have made have been sold before it was finish.
But i am not this good, i was only making traditional old Norwegian farmer style things.. ;)
My pleasure, @rezpatex
Do you share any of your work on Steemit? I'd love to be schooled on traditional Norwegian style! I love to learn and carving leaves much to be learned,mat least for me. I'm just getting started, but I have always worked with my hands and have created since a young age.
Keep following the things that excite you and I'm glad our paths aligned. Steem ON! 🔥🚀
Great vid! That guy swinging that chainsaw behind his back made me a bit nervous but hey he seemed like he knew what the hell he was doin' ;)
Haha yea @stillwater he should have a shirt that says Do NOT try this at home
😆
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