Gettin' in the 'Spirit'

Cottonwood Bark Wood Spirit

"It goes by several names: Wood Spirit, Wild Man, Savage Man, Woodwose. Whatever you call it, the next time you are strolling through the woods, keep an eye out for one of these elusive creatures.
Most often glimpsed as a green man with leaves for his beard and hair, the Wood Spirit is said to be Lord of the Forest and Natural Things. Seeing one is said to be quite a lucky thing, and European villagers used to go out on regular hunts, hoping to find a Wood Spirit to foretell the future of their village.
They are extremely strong. Wood Spirits can tear an opponent limb from limb and can tame any wild animal, including ferocious dragons and skittish unicorns. At the same time, they are gentle with the maidens, children, and men of good heart.
It is said that the forest will stand for as long as the Wood Spirit remains to keep order. And if you're lucky enough to see one, health happiness, and good fortune will be yours. However, that does not happen often. Wood Spirits would rather see than be seen. Most sightings are by children or by the pure of heart.

When you take your Wood Spirit home, give it a place of honor. Include the Wood Spirit in the audience when you tell jokes (Wood Spirits have a delightful sense of humor). If you do these things, your Wood Spirit will bring his gentle wisdom, humor, and luck into your home. Enjoy! 

Author Unknown"

And so is the legend of the Wood Spirit.

I have carved this guy out of Cottonwood  Bark found laying under a massive and majestic Cottonwood tree that had fallen some years ago along a local riverbank.

Cottonwood bark is actually very soft and fun to carve.  Almost like butter in my opinion.  Once the outer bark shell is removed you are left with a orangish/red tight grained bark that is very forgiving to a carver.

I am enamored with the legend and looks of the Wood Spirit and have been dabbling in carving them for about six months now.  I love the wise, almost somber look of the Wood Spirit and the long flowing beard.

The leading picture is of my first 'real' Wood Spirit.  The pictures that follow are of my 2nd attempt.  The pictures are a little dark and I apologize, but I love how he tured out.

Thanks as always for stopping by!