The wood spirit myth comes to us from many ancient cultural beliefs from all around the world, in one form or another.  In Europe, the wood spirit is personified as a keeper of the forest, a guardian to all those dwelling within.  No doubt he has Faerie beginnings.

Wood spirits have always been a popular subject for carvers, most often portayed as bearded, wizened faces emerging from a naturally shaped piece of wood.  The wood spirit comes to us as a somewhat modernized version of the Green Man, a once popular architectural ornament that was found throughout Europe.

I enjoy carving these guys, and it seems to be one of my specialties.  It was a wood spirit that first piqued my interest in woodcarving, and it was the first thing I ever carved. 

I have carved wood spirits from several different species, my favorite being Sassafras and Catalpa.  I try to find unique growths to enhance the personality of the carving.  Mother Nature ensures that each one is an original. 

View some past examples of my wood spirit work:

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