Cliff Unbound

[Paul_Guraedy]

My Frien’s, this is a continuation, and explanation, of the thread started in the Works In Progress section titled “Unbound”. That thread is what Cliff Nelson followed.

I started corresponding with Cliff back in 2007. Although, I have forgotten what started the initial exchanges; I do remember that we moved through carving, fishing, and on to life in general. Then came his initial diagnosis; and, since I have survived two cancers, we started talking more often.

Cliff took the extraordinary step of tutoring the members of this forum on how to face death with courage and dignity. His caring inspired “Angels for Cliff”, as we tried to show our appreciation. I told Cliff that I would not be carving an angel for him. I knew that he would be getting quite a few (he did) and that too often the surviving spouse is forgotten as we remember the one who has passed on. In the hope that it would offer some small comfort, I would be carving a memorial in his honor; but, would not send it to Vicky until after his death.

He thought this was a good idea and asked what I had in mind. The one thing for certain was that, since I am a bird carver at heart, it would involve a bird. My initial thought was to carve in cedar. It is a beautiful wood lending itself to many styles of carving. I tromped all over these hills and just could not find an appropriate piece. Then I was searching among my stored wood and saw a piece of very dark black walnut that, on a whim, I had saved from my firewood pile.

Looking at that dark wood, an idea started to form. I thought of a carving that would illustrate the journey through this life and on to the next. A real bird would not do. It would have to be stylized.

I am not a religious person, but this piece represents my belief that death is merely a transition. It is a release of the bonds that confine us in this life. I decided to name the piece “Cliff Unbound”. The untouched wood at the bottom represents the potential available to us in this life, the gouge marks are the changes resulting from the experiences during our journey, while the stylized bird represents the release of our bonds and our movement on beyond death.

I talked with Cliff about this concept and my plans. Cliff said that he liked everything except that he would not get to see the finished piece. That’s when we came up with the idea of putting it on the Woodcarving Illustrated Forum and only use part of my intended title….”Unbound” instead of “Cliff Unbound”. This way he watched my progress. I thought that I would have time to finish it and would wait for the inevitable before putting it in the mail. Then came the news that he had only months left. Regretfully, events in my life kept me from finishing the piece in time.

Cliff has been released from the bonds of this life and “Cliff Unbound” is finished.

[BobD]

I'm speechless, my friend...What a fine tribute to a fine man!

Thank you for sharing!

Bob

[Nomad]

That is a beautiful carving and a wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos.

[Tom Ellis]

People like you Paul, are what make this message board so wonderful. Nice memorial to Cliff

Tom

[Thor]

Paul, your story and carving brought both a tear and a smile.
Well done.
Christina

[squbrigg]

Well done Paul, what a fitting tribute to our friend Cliff. Beautiful work on the finish, I just love how Black Walnut polishes up. Great job.

Bob

[Dan Wegiel]

Paul, what a great story, tribute and your carving in that beautiful black walnut will be cherished by Vicky forever. Thanks for sharing with us.

Dan

[Merle Rice]

Hi Paul, What a beautiful thought and beautiful carving. Thank you for sharing the story. Merle

[fpace]

Paul.. very moving and beautiful... you and Cliff are and were two fine men!

Carve on...

[bigEd_H]

That is a very thoughtful and thought provoking carving, Paul. Thank you so much for sharing it and your thoughts with us all. A very appropriate tribute and beautifully executed.