This original wood carving is called “Flow Back: The Return of the Atlantic Salmon”, inspired by the return of the wild Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut River. I created this one-of-a-kind piece in Honduran mahogany using traditional wood carving methods and tools.
Description
This original wood carving is called “Flow Back: The Return of the Atlantic Salmon”, inspired by the return of the wild Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut River. I read about how, against all odds, several salmon had returned to spawn in November of 2015 after an absence of 200 years, even after a decades-long effort to return the fish to the river had been abandoned in 2012. I used this story of the resiliency of nature as the inspiration for the design for this carving, using aspects of the Celtic La Tène style to create spiraling elements to capture the energy reflected in this species’ drive to survive.
I created this one-of-a-kind piece in Honduran mahogany using traditional wood carving methods and tools. My use of power tools is minimal – in this carving I used a band saw to cut the shape of the wood from a planed board. All other work was done using hand tools – files, gouges, chisels and carving knives – to complete the carving. My method of working creates a carving that is finished from the tool – meaning there is no sanding of the wood to finish the piece, only the individual cuts from the sharp tools. This leaves a subtly rippled texture to the surface of the wood that can best be appreciated in raking light. The carving is sealed with linseed oil, with a coating of beeswax to protect the finish.
The finished carving measures 16″ wide by 19″ high and is 1 1/8″ thick. It is approximately life size when measured along the full length of the fish.
The last three photos in this listing document the stages of the carving process.
Price available on request.
Additional information
| Materials: | Honduran Mahogany Wood, Linseed Oil & Beeswax Finish |
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| Dimensions: | 16″ W x 19″ H x 1 1/8″ D |
