Glen Sawatsky, a resident of Duncan, British Columbia, spent seven years transforming a 6,000-pound tree burl into a massive art installation [1].
The project demonstrates the intersection of natural forestry and long-term artistic dedication, turning a raw organic anomaly into a public landmark.
Sawatsky worked on the piece, often called a "burl shack," over a seven-year period [1]. The process involved carving and shaping the dense wood to create a sculpture that serves as both a personal achievement and a community-focused piece of art [1].
The scale of the project was significant due to the raw material's weight, which totaled 6,000 pounds [1]. Sawatsky focused on the natural characteristics of the burl to guide the final form of the sculpture.
"I’ve spent seven years carving and shaping this burl, and it’s finally becoming something people can enjoy," Sawatsky said [2].
The finished work has drawn attention from locals and visitors in the Duncan area. The artist said that the public response to the installation has been positive.
"The reaction I get is incredible. It makes them feel good," Sawatsky said [2].
Sawatsky intended for the piece to be a unique use of natural materials, moving the burl from a raw state of nature into a curated artistic expression [1].
“I’ve spent seven years carving and shaping this burl, and it’s finally becoming something people can enjoy.”
This installation highlights the growing trend of using large-scale organic materials for public art, blending environmental elements with manual craftsmanship. By converting a massive biological growth into a permanent sculpture, Sawatsky has created a focal point for community engagement in Duncan, BC.
