
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.
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 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
KITCHEN REMODEL CASE-STUDY
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.