"Woodfield" is a carving located at 581 William St. in downtown London. It is near the west end of Rosedale Av. The sculpture commemorates the neighbourhood known as Woodfield, which covers most of the east side of the downtown core. A brief history of the neighbourhood can be found on the Woodfield Community Association's website.
The title of the carving is very prominent on this trunk, large letters at eye level stand out very well. I think it reflects the pride that the sponsors have in their community. This is the same organization that commissioned the first carved trunk, 'Convergence' on Peter St.
The main carving on the side of tree is a squirrel, carved in relief, hiding behind a tree. The winding roots and branches carry the eye both up and down around the tree.
As the tree pattern continues, we see the leaves of the tree, which appear to be that of a silver maple. I will, in future, try to find information about what kind of trunk this was actually carved out of.
The top of the tree, when viewed from the south side, is taken up by four very weighty looking acorns. large oak leaves are draped down from the trunk cap.
When viewed from the north side, however, we see that the acorns were hiding the real prize, a rather amusingly depicted squirrel, digging for all he's worth! Half his body has disappeared into the tree, but if he wants to hid the massive acorns, he'll need a big hole.
Well, would you look at that, it appears he's stuck his head out halfway down the tree! That's determination. I'm curious if we are being led to believe that this little guy lives in Squirreltopia! Or that he's just blessed with a huge stash of acorns.
I always try to take a look at the signature on a piece, if I can find one, and this is a Robbin Wenzoski creation, as are most of the trunks on the tour. Its the block letter logo this time. The tree also had the official Tree Trunk Tour plug inserted into it. I first noticed it on the carving "Come Together and Grow". I'm a bit surprised to find it's not on every trunk.
Condition issues are usually the last thing I note, and this trunk has a lot of damage on unsealed areas. It looks like mother nature is trying to do what it would to a normal dead tree, and the insects and fungus are starting to take their toll.
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