Hi … thanks for visiting. This site features a collection of work accomplished over a period of about six years. My interest in this type of art started with an idea to make a picture frame out of twigs for our 80 year old log cabin in Hayward, Wisconsin. That project opened my eyes to the endless possibilities that exist when working with a simple medium … twigs and branches. They lend themselves to so many interesting applications.
My retirement in April 2008, after almost 30 years in the construction industry, will let me turn a part-time hobby into a more serious pursuit of my art. I have lots of ideas and now also have the time to develop them.
Most of my work begins with an unfinished wood frame base. Mother Nature provides an unlimited palette of color and texture to apply to the frame. The amber hues of weeping willow, the ivory-speckled deep brown of birch, the olives of common willow, the brilliant magenta of dogwood, and the grays and browns of basswood are what first catch our eye. In most cases, though, the original color is not retained. After a three-month drying period, the twigs usually take on subtler, more subdued hues. Other times, the color change is striking. This can be either exciting or frustrating when the colors I sought to capture have changed.
Though tedious and time consuming, peeling the bark from the twigs is well worth the effort. It opens a whole new avenue of color and texture. It affords me the option of applying stain for color and leaving the inherent character of the wood unchanged.
Although wood is a renewable resource, I try to be a recycler when it comes to harvesting my wood. People also box and send me twigs. A friend from Middleton, Wisconsin sends me prunings from his weeping willow trees. Wind storms provide a great opportunity to stock up on raw materials.
I never lack for inspiration and can’t walk past a tree or shrub these days without thinking of ways to use the wood in my work. My frames are intricate and though the work is painstakingly slow, it is relaxing and rewarding. Most projects take 20-40+ hours to complete. Every twig is individually selected and then trimmed to fit the unique design of the piece.
I want to thank my friend, Chris, for putting this site together for me and my sister, Andrea, for editing and typing my words. Chris is a wonderful nature artist who works in pastels and watercolors. Visit http://letspaintnature.com to see her work. I’m also grateful to the people who have worked with me at the art shows where I’ve exhibited. Patience is a virtue, but not one of mine, so at times I can be a little difficult to work with. These people include my sisters Andrea, Pat, Deb and Nan; my nephews Sam and Jack; and my cousin Christine. Special thanks to my mom for letting me turn her basement into a workshop.
