RIVERVIEW, Fla. -- Mike Ferguson has a lot of work left to complete his unique vision.
But, after just six hours of carving, you can already see his ideas coming to life in Judy Chidlow’s tree trunk.
“I like doing pieces I’ve never done before,” Ferguson said. “I’m trying to jump into carving a little bit and be a starving artist for a little while.”
The shape of a squirrel pops out of the old tree that toppled to the ground during Hurricane Irma last fall. Chidlow was only able to find one tree company that would leave the stump in the ground after trimming all the limbs. She told the company she wanted to get it carved.
Enter Ferguson.
“It was Heaven sent,” she said.
Squirrels have always been a passion of Chidlow's.
She wanted a squirrel to come to life on what remained of the oak. She’s rehabilitated ten already this year and estimates she’s nurse at least 250 back to health in her life.
An informative sign in her yard read, "The Nut House."
“They are very personable when you get to know them,” she said. “People either love them or hate them.”
That’s what intrigued Ferguson so much. He expects this project to take between 60-80 hours to complete. He has gotten some coverage for his work already but wants to add more carvings to his resume. He started carving a few months ago hoping to turn a hobby into a business.
He’s carved turtles and totems. His first piece was a crucifix for a friend’s ailing mother.
“Artists don’t make art for themselves. They give it away to other people to enjoy,” Ferguson said.
Now, he hopes the squirrel carving will catch some attention.
“I love squirrels,” he said. “I love all animals.”
Ferguson can be reached for carving estimates at 813-215-1138 or at ferg813@hotmail.com.
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