Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to create a face?

Many hours are put into sculpting each piece, although the exact time is hard to judge because the hours are spread over many days, or even weeks. Some pieces are begun but not finished until years later when the original inspiration returns. In the meantime we may have four or five other faces that we are in the process of uncovering from within the wood. In some cases, as seen in the piece below named Lealyndore, the face does not look as envisioned until after nature has worked on it for a year or more following the human sculpting. Because nature does play such a large role in our artwork over time, it could be said that none of the pieces are ever truly finished.

How do you preserve the piece?

Sometimes we put a Minwax paste wax on the face which preserves the fresh wood look. Many pieces we leave natural so that the face weathers. This allows for little or no maintenance and results in a beautiful gray patina.

How much do they cost?

Prices range from $500 and up. On site commissions, such as in-tree faces, begin at $2500.

If I buy one how do I get it home?

We can, and have, shipped to many different states throughout the country. The price of shipping is determined by the height and weight of the sculpture and usually begins around $150 for an average size piece, although smaller pieces vary quite a bit. Many pieces fit inside a car with backseats that fold down, and since most weigh 100lbs. or less, it's just like carrying an extra person home. If you happen to live within 50 miles of Belfast we will deliver the piece and set it up where you want it for free. If you are outside the 50 mile radius but still in Maine (or close to it), delivery and installation can be arranged with compensation for time and mileage.

How does the shipping process work?

Upon receipt of payment we will construct a custom crate for your piece and ship via UPS to the destination address. Some people ship to their house while others send it as a gift to a loved one. Within the crate will be the sculpture and a pipe to stand it on. If the piece is going to be placed inside there will be a second package containing a wooden stand.

Where should I put my gardenface?

They are at home outside in garden settings. However, the placement of the piece is ultimately up to you. Many people that don't have room for a garden or yard put them inside the house, on a deck, or on a balcony. Outside, the possibilities are endless and range from near a path or lake, next to a bench or doorway, or under a birdfeeder.

Do you ever carve faces in live trees?

Yes! We do and you can see some examples at our Special Collections link.

Why does the wood split?

These checking lines are created when the moisture in the wood evaporates and the piece dries. This takes a lot of the weight away from the sculpture but also leaves the checks. Once all the moisture from the wood is released it will stop checking. They often go unnoticed in comparison to the face. We consider the checking just part of the character and another component of what makes each piece unique.

Do they have names?

Some are named because they lend themselves easily to a name based on the vision we see as they are created. However, most names are given when the person that is destined to take the piece home first sees it. The person usually knows right away what the sculptures name is. Therefore, we leave most unnamed to await that moment.

I can't tell if a piece is male or female. Am I alone?

NO! Many pieces are androgynous in that some people see them as male and others see them as female. Similar to the naming process, the person that is meant to take the piece home usually has the strongest feeling towards its gender. Sometimes we add mustaches or long hair to identify sex but even then the piece might go either way.

What tools do you use?

We begin with a small chainsaw, move to a 4" disk sander, a Dremel, and finally, a lot of sandpaper.

Why are the sculptures different colors?

Some faces are stained with a variety of different wood stains and others are natural. The color also depends on the type of wood used and the age of the piece. Over time all pieces weather to become gray, unless occasionally sanded or kept inside, but they will still be different tones and darker when wet.

Where do you get your wood?

We carve in just about any type of wood. The first pieces were carved in 200 year old chestnut beams from the Callahan Barn in Sharon, CT. At the moment we have nearly fifty 35' oak pilings purchased from the City of Belfast when they had to be replaced because of a worm infestation. We also have some cedar from the Woodbury Farm woodlot in Morrill, Maine.