Spalted Maple Bear

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi all,
My first really big piece with the majority of the work done with a chainsawhis carving is from a very large maple tree that came down in a storm several years ago out in our woods, he's a little over 5 ft tall and carved out of my imagination and as you can see he has a "big butt", the arms are made from a couple of branches that came off the main log, kinda looks like he's either waving or a Navy signalman. Told my wife that I could hang a welcome sign from the bears left arm which sticks almost straight out. Used a chainsaw, grinder, dremel and hand tools to create him, applied dark walnut danish oil because he was way too light in color then covered him in Cabot's wood preservative. Also had to mount him on a base made from the same tree because the wood at his feet isn't in very good shape, in fact there are bad spots throughout the whole piece, it was quite a challenge. First pics are the first day of roughing out, hope you like him and thanks for taking a peek.
Dan

[Bob K.]

I think he looks great Dan! I always marvel at how you guys can carve with chainsaws! A welcome sign might be a good idea!

[Nomad]

He looks like he's directing traffic. Very very neat carving.

[efmaron]

As always Dan you did a great job, he looks fantastic.

[Joggernot]

That's great! The wood lends itself to a bear very well. It isn't the standard bear carved for the tourist trade, and looks very nice.

Joggernot

[TexasSteve]

Looks great, he should be one of those bears that have a sign hanging saying "You need to be this tall (left hand) to ride this ride, or this tall (right hand) to rid these rides."

[sappy]

He is saying "I just ate a tourist that was this big!". That is a great bear, very realistic, big butt and all! Very nice work.

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi Bob,
Glad you like this bear, started out to be a fun project but it ended up taking way more time than I like to spend on a carving, at least I can now say that I've carved a large bear. Thanks!
Dan

[Dan Wegiel]

Hey Terry,
He could pass for a traffic cop. I told my wife that I could put him on his tip-toes with a pink tu-tu and make him look like he's dancing, not sure why, but she didn't think that was a good idea. Thank you my friend.
Dan

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi Eric,
Thanks ole buddy for the very nice comments.
Dan