In early summer, Mark received a commission from a woman for a golfing black bear as a surprise Father's Day present for her husband. Such a wonderful gift idea! The father/husband was so excited, and they come out to meet Mark close to Father's Day to reveal the surprise. Seeing the reactions of all our new Sleepy Hollow sculpture owners is always one of the best parts of what we do. So, this golfing bear for Father's Day begs the question, "What would make the perfect Mother's Day gift?" Hmmmm......

This spring Mark carved a pair of very unique sculptures for Jason, the owner of Big Secret, a laser etching and cutting business in Richmond, as a surprise wedding present for his new bride. One sculpture has a bear body and a bird head; the other has a bird body and a bear head. The sculptures represent the couples love of bears (the bride's ring has a custom bear design), and the bride's name is Bird. Mark delivered the sculptures to Smith Mountain Lake, where the wedding took place, and where...

Mark did a chainsaw carving demo at Arbor Day in Lynchburg. Thanks to the city and the Arbor Day committee for including us! Mark roughed in a bear and drew in a crowd. A couple of the black bears, one of the tiki totems and the Orca were on display. The Orca was popular with the kids and enthusiasm and spirits were high all-around for Mark's sculptures and demonstration. One of the tikis now lives at Caspian Tattoo in Lynchburg!

You might not think to find bears at an urban art show, but that is exactly what happened. Thanks to being a part of a group of talented Lynchburg friends (thanks Skull Fly!), Sleepy Hollow Art made an appearance at the 1st Urban Art Show at Catalano's. Three new bears, the bald eagle, the owl, and the whale all traveled to Main St. for the art show.  Urban Art Show, Downtown Lynchburg The New Bears: Kenneth, Lucinda and Marx Lucinda Carved out of reclaimed Southern Yellow Pine,...

Many more foxes to come... Some posed with riding boots, others on a log, or maybe just quietly sitting. Waiting. Listening.

Mark has been working on an owl with a carved base.

Here is Mark's latest commission. He is over 6' tall and coming along nicely! The bear is visible from the road so feel free to drive up Waughs Ferry Road in Amherst and take a look. You can't miss him.

Check him out! Swing by and see him if you haven' t already. He's at Amherst Lawn and Garden in Amherst up the road from The Briar Patch. 

Mark completed the Bald Eagle this weekend! Amazingly, all of the detail in the wings was done with the chainsaw. Other woodworking techniques were used in the process, including burning the detail around the eyes and talons. A whitewash stain created the head and tail feathers, and the gloss finish tied the whole piece together. View the eagle's gallery page.

Here is the latest sculpture, and eagle carved from a block of Walnut. I think eagles and hawks will be one of Mark's favorite subjects; he loves creating the wings and feather details. Next I asked him to carve a wolf. Oh, and I also have photos of an owl he started. More to come...