Eric widitz

Sculptor 

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, using the chain saw for approximately 90% of this exciting carving process. Then I proceed to chisels, knives & various other power tools if necessary to please both the customer & myself. From whimsical to realistic to stylized, 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 was 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.

Art In Trees 847.562.6288

Info@ARTinTREES.com