Sad Times on the (Shorter) Tree Trunk Tour

It is with a bit of sorrow that I write this post. After seeing this article in the London Free Press, I was able to confirm that several of the carvings have been designated for removal, as they have been deemed unsafe. The following carvings are either already gone, or will be removed soon, according to Tourism London.

On the subject of the expected life of a carving, Dave Broostad of Hamroad.com, who have commissioned new trees, had his opinion printed in the paper.

Shining Brightly 

Rising Up On Eagle Wings

Convergence @ 23 Peter St.

Woodfield 1840-2007  (already removed)               

Come Together and Grow

Squirreltopia @ 799 Waterloo St.

There are no plans to re-install these carvings, in contradiction to the LFP article linked above.

I will be updating my Tree Trunk Tour Map, and the Overview Page shortly to reflect this unfortunate loss to the city's landscape.

Come Together and Grow

Located at the corner of Colborne St. and Piccadilly St. is the trunk carving 'Come Together and Grow' it stands in front of the Colborne St. United Church, just slightly north of the front facade. The carving is just out of the right hand edge of the church picture on their website.

The title is carved into the middle of the trunk, bordered by a naturally flowing frame. There is a sealing coat over the carved areas of the tree, bu no paint colours.

Directly below the title frame is a three part image of hands clasping. Teh toop 2 hands are reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo. The 'hand of God' on the trunk is reversed top to bottom from the original however. The second pair appear to be joined in friendship. The third pair is clasped together, as sometimes picture in prayer. The rich colour variations in the wood show well, but the hands are a little awkwardly formed.

The other theme in the piece besides hands, is hearts. Just above the title plaque is a heart, it produces 2 lines of hearts that wrap around the sculpture and flow skyward. The hearts are all a little different, and produce a nice effect in drawing the eyes upward. This closeup (as always, click to enlarge) shows the natural grain of the wood, as well as the texture created by the finishing tools on the surface.

The hearts criss-cross and then flow upward. Since the top of the trunk has been fully worked away, the hearts are less obviously a tree trunk sculpture. They stand out in silhouette in the early morning light, and might convey the idea of love flowing out into the world.

Directly in front of the hearts crossing at the top of the trunk is this torch.

Its is the most intricately carved part of the trunk, and looks like it is in perfect condition despite having a few winters under its belt. I would assume it represents the church's slogan, which is

"Uniting in Lighting the Way"

The trunk is signed, and dated 2008. This, is Robbin Wenzoski's signature, using the Raw Art logo he adopted. This trunk is one with very few condition issues, and it appears that the sealing against weather and parasites has worked well.

Return to the Tree Trunk Tour Overview Page

Check out all the entries using the London Art Map