Filed under: July 2018 | Tags: Ancestory, chainsaw carving, Diana Gabaldon, Dougal McKenzie, Highland War Chief, inspiration, Outlander, Scotch/Irish, Scottish Highlander, sculpture, sycamore tree, welsh
July 7, 2018
We had this Highland War Chief carved from a dying sycamore tree stump. The man who carved it, Bob Anderson, from Rock Creek, Ohio did an amazing job. We chose the Highlander due to my Scottish heritage. We picked the pose. This war chief now stands to watch over the farm.
There is much more to this story… Bob credits his talent to our Heavenly Father, but also to his Earthly father. You see, Bob was taught as a small boy to whittle small animals and people by his dad. They would whittle faces into walking sticks as they talked about life and all the things that turn small boys into men. Bob has taken a fun hobby to the next level. He is an artist, a true craftsman and a humble man.
He started with this stump
He painted some crude lines and reference points on the face of the stump
He would look at a picture of the Highland dress as he chainsawed from time to time
Our War Chief started to take shape. Bob worked steadily, pausing to look at the wood and ponder his next move.
The tree grew close to the sugarhouse making it a little difficult for Bob to work on the back side, but you would never know. He carved onward reaching inside himself for skills that were learned many years ago.
Once he had shaped the sculpture as far as he wanted with the chainsaw, he went to work with small tools, sanders and his vivid set of skills. What was once a dying stump has been turned in to a work of art. We are very pleased. I think my ancestors are pleased as well. I had the vision, but Bob Anderson has the expertise. His wood carving prowess exemplified under the watchful eye of his father, now taken to the next level by his own desires, is an awesome thing to see.
I recommend Bob Anderson highly. He creates many wooden sculptures in his studio just north of Rock Creek on state route 45. He will do commissioned pieces as well. Look for his pieces at places like the Medievel Faire or even on the square in Mesopotamia Ohio. Bob carved Paul Bunyan in the white oak stump by the “End of the Commons” General Store.
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RicelandMeadows 
Amazing indeed!
Comment by Aunt June July 9, 2018 @ 7:57 amWatching it come to be was amazing to watch!
Comment by ricelandmeadows July 10, 2018 @ 9:23 amThat’s amazing!
Comment by Jacklyn July 9, 2018 @ 1:48 pmI drive past his place often.
I always laugh at his “Leprechaun Faces” sign.
He is a great guy!
Comment by ricelandmeadows July 10, 2018 @ 9:22 am