A New Bear Takes Shape: The Challenge of Carving Boldly

I’m embarking on a new piece, and as always, it’s both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. This particular sculpture features a more aggressive pose, modeled after the anatomy of a black bear—a creature native to Ontario and familiar to me from years spent living near the North Channel.

Black bears have always fascinated me. They’re often described as the ghosts of the forest—present yet unseen. While we’re warned about their presence, encounters are rare. When a black bear does stand up, though, it’s an awe-inspiring sight. Their posture is strikingly human-like, a mix of power and presence that demands attention. Capturing that force in stone is my current challenge.

Working on a new piece is always a gamble. There’s a fine line between success and setback, especially when exploring a fresh posture or anatomical details. Things can go off track in two main ways: moving too cautiously and being afraid to remove material, or moving too aggressively and making critical mistakes. Finding the balance between these extremes has been one of my greatest hurdles as a carver.

Revisiting a familiar subject, like the bear, brings its own set of challenges. While the subject remains the same, the approach must evolve. Each new piece requires a fresh perspective—forgetting the methods of the past and embracing the current moment. Time and experience create a necessary distance, allowing me to rediscover the subject in a way that feels authentic and new.

Even when things go awry (and they sometimes do), there’s always a way to salvage the work. Stone carving teaches resilience; even a devastating break can lead to unexpected creativity and solutions.

So here’s to this new bear—a bold and aggressive stance that reflects the power and spirit of its real-life counterpart. I’ll keep you updated as the piece progresses. It might end up in a gallery, or perhaps I’ll hold onto it. Either way, I’ll share more when it’s finished.

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