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About Gallery

About

"The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection." -Michelangelo

Chainsaw carvings is our specialty. Taken to an art form from handcrafted, authentic chain saw carved bears, dogs and totem poles to unique furniture for your pleasure.

Authentic chain saw carved art of: bears, dogs, totem poles and a myriad of other subjects, to unique signature piece furniture & sculpture. I am primarily a chainsaw carver, but the chain saw is only the first tool used in this exciting carving process. Then I proceed to chisels, knives & various other power tools until the desired result to please both the customer & myself is achieved. From whimsical to stylized to realistic, an ordinary piece of firewood or tree trunk is transformed into something that will evoke an emotion within you. Whether it is a smile, or awe at the power and majesty of many of God's creations.

Formerly nestled in the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains in the northern Idaho panhandle ... nature & wildlife inspired my art.

On any given day I might've been out in the high country, or near a local lake or stream, observing or sketching what might be the subject for my next carving. Now, relocated back to my native Illinois, I'm working off these past experiences to create new pieces of art. Hopefully Yours!

Browse the photo gallery or feel free to contact me for custom commissions. Either free standing, or carved from a tree stump in your yard. I enjoy designing and creating large scale, monumental sculptures from standing tree trunks. Your questions and comments are always welcome! Hope you enjoy looking around - Eric

Art in Trees founded by Eric Widitz in 1983. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Eric spent his college years studying horticulture and in 1978 started his own business of landscape design. During the long, slow winter months, he kept busy designing & building wood cabinetry & furniture, honing his artistic craft.

In 1983, he graduated to wooden signs and carved furniture embellishments. As his love of woodcarving became his major focus, Eric leaped still further and into three-dimensional sculpture of wood and stone.

With only one chance to sculpt such a permanent medium, he had finally found a challenge he could take satisfaction in. Neither clay nor bronze provided the same challenge, nor could have the same warmth and character that Eric could find in a block of wood.

Now relocated from the Pacific Northwest, back to the Chicago-land area the majority of his work is done by commission, with many pieces - from a humble puppy to a massive Grizzly - being carved to scale. Using a chainsaw to speed up the rough-out process, the work progresses to other power tools, finishing details with chisels & knives. Eric's eye for detail and candid expression always manages to shine through from what was - at least once upon a time - a simple block of wood or a tree trunk.

 

Recycle

 

Recycle

"This world is but a canvas to our imagination." -Henry David Thoreau

A dead Ash tree can spring back to life as a magnificent bear sculpture!

Has the emerald ash borer (EAB) killed your Ash Tree? What about trees stressed by drought or other diseases: Honor the tree by creating a timeless work of art from its trunk. In the midwest many trees are damaged or knocked down from heavy storms making another excellent opportunity to have art created. Instead of cutting a tree down and having a stump in your front or back lawn, how about a piece of inspiring art? Offset the cost of grinding out the stump. A dead Ash, Oak or any other tree species can spring back to life as a magnificent sculpture of your choosing! If you have a theme in mind, I can design & create it!

 

 

Pricing

 

Pricing

"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get." -Warren Buffett

 

 

Pricing is a combination of size and amount of detail in the desired theme. Many times it is easier to work backwards from a budget figure. Other variables include the size of the project, whether it is an indoor or outdoor project, level of detail, finishes and or wood preservers applied to the final piece.

I am available for out of state commissions as well provided that I am compensated for travel expenses.

When sending in a project request; please take a photo of the wood or tree trunk. Also let us know the height and circumference of the tree trunk 4 feet off the ground and of course type of animal or theme of the project.

Price Range A (for outdoor sculptures) $500 to $1000

Price Range B (for outdoor sculptures) $1000 to $1500
Price Range C (for outdoor sculptures) $1500 to $6000
Price Range D (for indoor sculptures) $6,000+

 

Reviews

 

Testimonials

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ― Pablo Picasso

 

Naperville's new totem pole depicts three bears, stands for family

Positively Naperville Editor Saturday, March 21, 2015

Do you have a favorite bear from the storybooks? Is it Smokey? Fozzie? Yogi? Winnie the Pooh? Paddington? Teddy? Or an entire football team of them from Chicago?

Or do you prefer the family named Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear who appeared in the fairy tale, The Story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears?

Following a tip from Chuck Corrigan that led to Swallow Street, just south of Bailey Road, PN's camera captured a 10′ foot-high totem pole featuring images of a three-bear family  that represents all four members of the Lamesch family—Stacey, Mark, Daphne and Gavin.

The Lamesch family has lived at that location since 2009, Stacey said. Their home was built in 1969, so the Lameschs suspect the very large, very messy locust tree that had stood near their garage hanging over the roof was at least 45 years old when it was cut down to a stump 12 feet high where it measured about 83 inches in circumference.

The new totem pole alongside the driveway was crafted by chainsaw sculptor Eric Widitz of Art in Trees, known for his rustic creations for the outdoors inspired by nature and wildlife.

The idea for the bear sculpture was a collaborative family decision that came after they all agreed they wanted something other than a bench that had been Mark's original suggestion when the tree was cut down due to age.

"The honeycomb or beehive in the hands of the top bear was the great idea of our daughter," Stacey added.

Mark said the sculptor used a combination of five or six sizes of chainsaws to create the image sketched on paper prior to beginning on March 18. Standing on a scaffolding for the better part of two days, Widitz' playful design came to life late Friday when he added finishing touches using a blow torch, black paint and protective sealant.

Noting the residue of sawdust surrounding the base of the finished art, Mark said he already had collected six garbage cans full of sawdust that would be mixed into compost.

Two large halves of tree trunk from the locust tree remained alongside the garage, likely saved for the large bench Mark still plans to build.

No doubt, when finished, Mark's bench will be situated in a good place to sit and enjoy the view of the family totem pole.

And mindful of The Three Bears, perhaps some joker will ask, "Who's been sitting on my bench?" Source: Positively Naperville

WOOD SCULPTOR CARVING NICHE FOR A HAPPY LIFE

Author: Tim Kane Special to the Chicago Tribune, October 24, 2000

Widitz, returns to McHenry County periodically to sell his artwork. He sets up in the parking lots of businesses along busy roads. Last week, Widitz could be found on the lawn of the McDonald's on U.S. Highway 14 and Illinois Highway 22. Business has been good. He's sold dozens of sculptures since he's been back. Pining for a simpler life, Eric Widitz and his wife and four children moved six years ago from Fox River Grove to the panhandle of Idaho, high in the Selkirk Mountains. There, the one-time landscaper built an art studio and pursued his dream of becoming a full-time sculptor. His medium is tree trunks, and his stylus is a chain saw.

Inspired by mountain life, Widitz's favorite subjects are bears, raccoons, eagles and jumping trout. Having been in the landscaping business, Widitz said he became skilled with a chain saw, which is the first tool he picks up when starting a sculpture. Western red cedar and poplar are his woods of choice, but he has carved every species of tree. He'll do relief work, make furniture or carve totem poles.

When he sets up shop, many of the carvings are works in progress, and Widitz saunters among them, touching them up with a pneumatic sander that is hooked to a compressor in his pickup truck. He weatherproofs sculptures with deck sealer. He uses a hand-crank winch that helps him load and unload heavier works that are stored in his mother-in-law's garage overnight. Over the weekend, Widitz used a mixture of sawdust and epoxy to fill in a crack that formed along the 5-foot wingspan of a sculpture of an eagle diving for a trout. Acting as a sort of apprentice, Owen Widitz, was at his father's side and has rendered many of the works that were on display. He said he likes the life his father has carved out for him. "I'd like to keep doing this, if I can make a living at it," Owen Widitz said. "Whatever happens, I'm going to stay in art."

Eric Widitz said his most prominent sculpture is of a life-size bronco rearing up on its haunches. That sculpture is on display at the entrance of the main gymnasium in Barrington High School. "We love it," said Bob Carpenter, athletic director at Barrington. "It is gorgeous. It's called `Unbridled Spirit.'"
A WELL-CARVED NICHE

By ALLISON L. SMITH, Northwest Herald June 29, 2005

ALGONQUIN - Eric Widitz slid two ice cubes down the back of his T-shirt, then yanked the saw's rope and revved its motor. Within seconds, an eagle tail began to splay from the hefty log. It was among myriad wooden wonders at Widitz's temporary studio - the parking lot of Pride Construction, southwest of Algonquin and Pyott roads. Until he returns home to Idaho on Monday, Widitz will take commissions from there and display his wares. The rustic creations cost from $39 to a few thousand dollars, ranging from the small and jagged to the mammoth and minutely detailed. They require at least a few hours of work and maybe months, whether for a tiny hummingbird, jolly giant bear, medieval troll, or replica of a cherished pet, a popular request , Widitz said.

On a recent afternoon, Streamwood customer April Clay went to Widitz's tent to have him carve a whimsical bear for her engaged brother. "I thought it could be a very special wedding gift," she said. "I'm afraid I might like it too much to give it away."

As Widitz used one of his 30 chain saws to shave, buff and jab; the tanned scar on his left forearm showed the risk behind the art. Talons soon took shape, and then a feathered breast. Every few minutes, he shook his gloved fingers and stretched out a sawdust-covered arm prone to tendinitis, while never taking his eyes from the budding bird. "It's hard to hold a chain saw steady for a long time without cutting something you don't want to," he said.

A graduate of Lake Zurich High School, Widitz used to live in Fox River Grove. He moved to Idaho in 1994 for a simpler life, he says. Local residents might remember his log-home business, Art Wood Designs, that he ran since 1983. The moniker is now for the sculpture and furniture company that employs him and his wife, Janice, who handles the books. But the growth that made Widitz flee the McHenry County area now brings him back for a few weeks each summer. "I see more traffic here in five minutes than I see in a week in Idaho - and that's good for business," he said. Widitz refers to his mind's eye for most of his projects, he said, having studied eagles and other wildlife in Idaho. Tree services donate woods, including cedar, poplar, maple, oak, cherry and walnut otherwise bound for a chipper. Some logs come as large as 4,000 pounds, 8 feet tall, and 3 feet in diameter. "Each one has its own strengths," Widitz said. "I like the big, knotty, nasty ones. When they're gnarly and twisted, it lets my imagination go."

"Wow, so much better in person than the pictures." - Kevin S.

"What an amazing process, we never dreamed it would be so detailed and look so good!" - Karen G.
BUSY BEAVERS

"We have had a lot of nice compliments on the beavers. I only will allow you to add a testimonial if you reference our office and city. Every bite of publicity helps! Eric has an amazing talent and I consider his work a piece of art which has enhanced the esthetics of our office. Thanks!!! Arpino Orthodontics, Libertyville, IL" - Vince

 

Case-Study

 

Case Study

"Art is making something out of nothing." ― Frank Zappa

 

KITCHEN REMODEL CASE-STUDY
I had a request by a customer who had an unusual situation. They were doing an extensive kitchen remodel, and removed a wall which exposed plumbing from an upstairs bathroom. It couldn't be moved so I designed a three piece carving which could be assembled to fit around the pipes.

When designing a new sculpture, I always try to incorporate elements that are close to the client's heart. This included a life size copy of the owner's Bichon Frieze.
A seasoned American Elm log which was 3' across and weighing over 6,000 lbs. was selected from my log yard. This is an often overlooked wood species but as you can see, finishes beautifully. It was also a nice match for the cabinetry. It was hollowed out so it could fit around the plumbing. After carving the selected animals the remaining portions were sanded to 320 grit to bring out the beautiful wood grain. Then began the difficult task of cutting it apart and reassembling it inside the kitchen.

This project included a base for a stainless steel table top. 3 young raccoons were carved into a hollowed elm log and sculpted to fit around the base cabinets.

 

Contact

 

Gallery

Let our Gallery inspire you. If you have a theme in mind, I can design & create it!

 

Contact

 

CONTACT INFO

For your inquiries and information, please contact us! When sending in a project request; please take a photo of the wood or tree trunk. Also let us know the height and circumference of the tree trunk 4 feet off the ground and of course type of animal or theme of the project.

  • Art in Trees, Fox River Grove, IL
  • 847-562-6288
  • info@artintrees.com