|
|
|
|
 Submit
|
Custom Search
CivicLifeSportsSchoolsBusinessFoodOur HomesLetters/OpinionsCalendar
Published September 14th, 2022
Moraga resident has tree stump turned into a work of art
By Vera Kochan
Owner Dolores Austin is dwarfed by her new redwood eagle sculpture Photo Vera Kochan

Over 60 years ago, in a brand new subdivision of Moraga, property owner Dolores Austin decided to plant the beginnings of a redwood tree. What seemed like a good idea at the time turned into a structural nightmare as the eventually massive tree's roots began to encroach on the house's foundation.
Austin was resigned to the fact that the tree must go, but not before she did some research into creative possibilities. While visiting family members near Lake Almanor in Northeastern California, she noticed many examples of carved tree stumps resembling eagles, bears or other forms of wildlife. She discussed her ideas with the tree landscaper she had chosen to cut down the redwood. He in turn, recommended a wood carving artist he knew from previous jobs.
Having her heart set on an eagle carving, six months ago Austin consulted with sculptor Glen Sievert who has been creating art out of dead or dying tree stumps for over 25 years. His company, Chainsaw Art (chainsawtreeart.com), has created masterpieces throughout Northern California. Sievert's website explains, "When a tree must be taken down, it can leave a noticeable absence. Glen specializes in re-imagining that space and carving tree stumps into new, unique pieces of art."
According to Austin, Sievert met with the tree removal team to discuss how much of the stump to leave before they did their part of the job. "It was all done with chainsaws, and he brought his own tools," she explained. "It took him a couple of days to do it. Except for the marble eyes, it's all tree."
The work of art stands approximately 8 to 9 feet in height with a base circumference of about 6 feet. The tree is still alive, as is evidenced by the new branch growth sprouting near the bottom of the sculpture.
With an added touch of whimsy, Austin has placed solar lights resembling an alligator and a frog looking up at the eagle with expressions of awe. Her neighbors most likely first had the same look on their faces, because she remarked, "They all love it!"

print story

Before you print this article, please remember that it will remain in our archive for you to visit anytime.
download pdf
(use the pdf document for best printing results!)
Comments
Send your comment to:
Reach the reporter at:
This article was published on Page B1:
Quick Links for LamorindaWeekly.com
Home
Archive
Advertise
send artwork to:
ads@lamorindaweekly.com
Classified ads
Lamorinda Service Directory
About us and How to Contact us
Submit
Letter to the Editor
Send stories or ideas to:
storydesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Send sports stories and photos to:
sportsdesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Subscribe to receive a delivered or mailed copy
Subscribe to receive storylinks by email		 Content
Civic
Lafayette
Moraga
Orinda
MOFD
Life
Sports
Schools
Business
Food
Our Homes
Letters/Opinions
Calendar
Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA