'FOODCHAIN"

"Foodchain" portrays one of the harsh realities of nature. It is Birch and Willow measuring 28" and was created in 1997.

This piece showcases Caril's finishing technique which includes sanding only as a conscious sculptural technique. Caril believes that sanding prodoundly changes the effect of every shape and toolmark in wood and is not an automatic part of finishing. Sometimes Caril uses a touch of color or acrylic paint, but mostly a tung oil mixture is used to bring out the beauty of the woodgrain.

"Moose" personifies Caril's observation of animals, who experience the land in their own way. The mother moose and baby can be seen just over the fence in their natural environment. Thanks to a grant from Project Assistance for Visual Artists, B. C. Cultural Services Branch the artist was free to produce this sculpture.

This piece is 4' X 4' in a 3" thickness and crafted from Butternut which is the wood Caril prefers when stock is being purchased. Butternut carves well and has it's own natural beauty.

Birch is the wood the artist uses most often because it carves well and is available locally for this carver. You'll note that several of Caril's pieces are carved from Birch.

Caril finds Basswood too bland although many carvers use it because it is easily carved and resists splitting. North American Red Oak is a favorite of this artist, but it does split easily making it a difficult but rewarding wood. Caril also finds Black Walnut to be a beautiful wood that is quite hard and has a resistance to splitting.

'MOOSE'

'RUNNERS'

"Runners" has a sense of the flow of the environment. Caril says that the move to a back-to-the-land lifestyle brought the presence, sound and fragrance of the land into her perceptions. It's 40" carved from Birch in 1996.

Caril explains that she uses wood as her medium for one-of-a-kind sculpture because it contains and reflects the complexity of nature. The artist feels that it is a medium well suited for this time in history.

According to Caril Birch Burl is interesting and challenging with a very complex grain direction. Her appreciation of Butternut is due partly to it's pronounced growth rings, warm dark color, medium hardness and it's excellent resistance to splitting. She cautions against using green wood even though it is easy to cut, it has a tendency to cracking and warping as it dries.

"Stellars Jays" uses the unusual shape and grain of the Pacific Yew to add drama to this piece. You'll also note the touch of color, that Caril says she sometimes uses, on the wings of the Jays accenting the relief carving. The artist's belief is that wood is the most "painterly of paint", high praise from an artist who was first a painter. Created in 1996, this piece is 18" high.

The artist notes that the wood carries her feelings. Whatever is perceived in it's grain and character, there is always more. Caril says that her work is a "tight combination of willful representation and woodcarverly abstraction - I need the synergy".

On the following page, you will see a new dimension to Caril's work. The variety and myriad directions of this artists work is amazing.

'STELLARS JAYS'