"Stoic Lookout" is a sculpture of a bald eagle carved with chainsaw and power tools in a spruce log. 
 
ARTIST: Michelle Thevenot
 
DIMENSIONS (H x W x D): 32 x 18.5 x 16 inches
 
MATERIALS: Spruce log wood, wood stain, oil paint, spar urethane sealer for indoor/outdoor display.
 
ARTIST STATEMENT:
 
Stoic - accepting pains, hardships and adversity calmly without complaint.
 
Lookout - a view that can be seen from a certain point.
 
This piece is a physical guardian standing tall on lookout over a view.
 
The "Stoic Lookout" also symbolically speaks to how you choose your own lookout on life.
 
I had to choose my own stoic outlook while carving this piece. After many days of work, the beak catastrophically broke off. I felt crushed that all my hard work was suddenly ruined. I considered throwing gas on it and lighting a match. But instead of giving up on the carving, I chose to move forward and persevere. I glued on another piece of wood with a more suitable wood grain direction and re-carved the beak so the eagle could proudly stand tall and inspire others as a "Stoic Lookout." The eagle that almost didn't make it to be here today.
 
Made in Saskatchewan, Canada
 
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM LOG CARVINGS:
 
It's the nature of log wood to fluctuate with temperature and humidity, so cracks and checks will happen in log sculptures - they are a normal occurrence and can be embraced as part of the character of natural wood.Natural weathering of outdoor sculptures is expected over time.For outdoor carvings, I recommend that owners routinely re-seal with same type of varnish 1-2 times per year.For indoor carvings, re-sealing isn't as necessary as it's not exposed to the elements.
 
More info here: www.michellethevenot.com/custom-carvings-care