These pieces are a collaboration between artist and nature, showcasing the rare and striking beauty of spalted maple. Spalting is a natural process where fungi begin to colonize a fallen or stressed tree, leaving behind a unique visual narrative of struggle and transformation.
The distinctive black lines (known as “zone lines”) which trace complex, map-like patterns across the pale wood are actually defensive barriers created by competing fungal colonies. Each line represents a boundary frozen in time, ensuring no two trees are ever alike and capturing a fleeting moment between life and decay before the wood is carefully harvested, dried, and preserved.
Hand-turned on a lathe to form a classic, layered evergreen shape, these sculptures highlight the organic, unpredictable artistry of the wood grain. Finished to a smooth, satin luster, the tactile quality of the wood invites closer inspection, reminding viewers that even in natural processes of decay, breathtaking beauty can emerge. They offer a unique, artisanal interpretation of a timeless holiday symbol, bringing the warmth and intricate patterns of the forest floor into a curated space.
The trees are approximately 3 1/2″ high
They were donated to the ClearWater Conservancy for their online auction which ends on February 6th 2026.
They will be on display in the 3 Dots gallery in downtown State College, PA.
