Echoes in the Night |
I’m thrilled to share the story behind one of my favorite projects, “Echoes in the Night: The Wolf’s Watch.” This piece took me about a month to complete, requiring between 100 and 120 hours of meticulous work. It’s burned onto a solid slab of locally and sustainably sourced alder wood, measuring 35×40 cm (13 x 16 inches) at its widest. This artwork is entirely my own design, and I’m delighted with how it turned out. It features a majestic white wolf as the central figure, surrounded by a misty forest.
A second smaller wolf stands on a cliff, howling at the moon, while two deer wander in the background. An eagle soars through the sky, and beneath the surface lies a hidden world: a cave system adorned with a tree of life, cascading waterfalls, vibrant plants, and tiny mushrooms.
Bringing the Vision to Life
The inspiration for this piece came to me in March 2024. I’d had this slab of alder wood for a year or so, waiting for the right idea to take shape. The wolf’s commanding presence came first. For the first time, I used artificial intelligence to help refine the wolf’s design, creating a piercing gaze that captures the viewer’s attention.
This piece became the first in a series I was planning, featuring spirit animals like a raven and a fox, each set against a dark night sky and surrounded by detailed landscapes. As I sketched out the composition, I realized the space beneath the trees called for an “underground” element. That’s when the idea of a cave began to take shape. I wanted the cave to be more than just an empty space—it needed character, intrigue and tons of details. A waterfall – or two – seemed like the perfect feature to draw the viewer’s eye.
The Creative Process
Creating a piece like this requires a mix of planning and intuition. I spent time researching, looking at fantasy and real-life photos of water falls within caves. I read about cave formations and let my imagination wander. Using tracing paper, I outlined the area on the wood, always keeping the grain’s natural flow in mind.
Once I had the basic sketch, I added smaller details like rocks, plants, and stepping stones. These elements bring the scene to life and create a sense of depth. While I often start burning fairly quickly after sketching, I’m careful to work in smaller sections to avoid smudging the pencil marks. This method allows me to refine the design as I go, ensuring each part of the composition fits seamlessly.
One of my favorite aspects of wood burning is the level of detail I can achieve. From the texture of the wolf’s fur to the intricate patterns of the cave’s walls, every element is carefully considered. I don’t copy other artworks directly but use references to inspire my own unique style.
The Final Result
I’m incredibly pleased with how “Echoes in the Night: The Wolf’s Watch” turned out. The combination of the wolf’s vigilant gaze, the serene yet mysterious forest with the deer and the wolf howling at the moon, and the hidden cave below creates a dynamic and immersive scene. This piece feels alive, as though it holds a story within its grain.
This artwork represents not only countless hours of work but also my passion for nature, storytelling, and the beauty of wood as a medium.
If this piece speaks to you, PRINTS of it are available for purchase. Just click this link to my third-party print-on-demand shop.
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Also, please check out the rest of my website for available pendants or if you’d like to buy me a coffee, that’s greatly appreciated also!