Freedom’s Way

Figure 1: The original weight of this West Texas juniper log was 475 pounds.  When finished the piece was still very close to it’s original dimensions but had lost 450 pounds.

Figure 2: The positions of the heads have been established.  The log has been cleaned down to the clear wood.

Figure 3: This is the top view of the head.  Note the symmetry of the grain.  The face centers on the apex of the curve.

Figure 4: Here is a close up of the face.  There is still a lot of mass to remove.

Figure 5: Figures are now clearly emerging from the wood.  The majority of lines beneath the child are subsequently removed to simplify the design.  The piece was later hung on a separate trunk.

Figure 6: A close up of the finished sculpture.

Click Here to see “Freedom’s Way” in the Treasures of the West Gallery along with the poem that Chris wrote for this sculpture.

Written by John White

Chris is an unusual artist in the sense that he personally harvests the juniper wood for his commissioned works. He makes frequent trips to Texas for this reason. He would love to visit with you about ideas for sculptures that you would like him to do.

May 17, 2020

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