Creative Designs in Two Themes -

These spiral horns and nautilus shells are created from mill-sawn blocks of wood. The blocks are first cut into wedges and the wedges are further cut into smaller pieces in a graduated sequence from small to large. These are then assembled into the final design. The cuts are sometimes made parallel with the grain and are sometimes cut across the grain depending on the type of wood and its individual character. This can dramatically change the overall look of both types of sculptures. Each of the sculptures is intended to be used as a focal, decorative piece. The fluidity of the spiral horns and nautilus shells is such that they can be rotated a few degrees and change the perspective completely. By nature of the construction technique, the spiral horns typically have a “lean” to them. The shells, since they are separate from the base, have an added dimension in that they may be rotated with its base, but also may be positioned so that the open mouth is oriented up or down. Wooden sculptures of any style lend themselves to life in a foyer, coffee table, or mantle. Each piece is unique as a result of varying grains, natural color, and the species of wood. Some, such as “spalted” pecan (in the process of decay) have irregular and erratic voids that add interest. Others, such as the pieces created from “wormy” specimens of Texas mesquite, have been randomly bored by insects in the fashion of Swiss cheese. Each of these sculptures are finished with a hand-rubbed tung oil.