Neat poster from a demonstration I did at College of the Redwoods.  Designed by Garth Johnson.

Found this article in the archives.  An abstract piece I did in saved redwood.  I remember it being really hot, like a 110 degrees with a fire going on in the hills of Mendocino County.  However it was carved for a fellow artist in the charming little town of Hopland, California.

This pole was commissioned for a private residence in Washington.  I created it on Whidbey Island and delivered it.  The symbolism on the pole is importance to the people who live on the land.

Whidbey Island, Wa

Kayak Point Eagles 

Eagles carved in Western Red Cedar, situated near Kayak Point, Puget Sound, Washington.  About 15’ tall altogether. 

There are quite a few real eagles living in the area, as they were making their voices heard. 

Arcata, Ca  A carving I did January 2010 in Douglas Fir, Two Tigers.  2010 is year of the Tiger.

 

     

 

www.groeschen.com

A Kala Mandala 
Materials, Sitka spuce, (from Trinidad, Ca)
Glass made on Whidbey Island, Wa
Stainless Steel

December 21, 2009

Arcata, CA   I have been making wheels / discs for awhile, fascinated by it's simplicity, but realizing now they are mandalas.  A mandala is any of various geometric designs (usually circular) symbolizing the universe; used primarly in Hinduism and Buddhism as an aid to meditation.  One well known mandala is the Kalachakra mandala. 


The Kalachakra Mandala

    Kalachakra means wheel of time.  The Kalachakra system is clearly related to the ancient Vedic tradition in India which existed long before Buddhism appeared.

    "The Kalachakra refers to many different traditions, for example the Hindu; Saivite, Samkya, Vaishnava, the Vedas, Upanisads and Puranas traditions, but also Jainism. For example, the Kalachakra mandala includes deities which are equally accepted by Hindus, Jainas and Buddhists." 

    An Account of the Kalachakra, or Wheel of Time  Kalachakra Initiations and the texts are taught by the Dalai Lama
 
    "The entire meaning of the subject matter of the Kalachakra tantra is included within the three Kalachakras, or Wheels of Time: The Outer Wheel of Time, the Inner Wheel of Time, and the Other Wheel of Time. The Outer Wheel of Time is the external world of the environment, and it is also called "The procession of the external solar and lunar days." The Inner Wheel of Time is the human body, that is an inner Jambudvipa, or earth-surface. Likewise, the inner channels, elements, and movements of the winds are set forth as the Inner Wheels of Time. The Other Wheel of Time is the initiations and paths of Shri Kalachakra, together with their results. It is "other" than the preceding two Wheels of Time. The guru ripens the disciple's psycho-physical continuum with the initiations, and the disciple meditates on the path that consists of the generation process and the completion process. In this way the yogi actualizes the resuly the buddha body that is the divine image of emptiness. This is the Other Wheel of Time."  www.dalailama.com/teachings/kalachakra-initiations  .

     A painting done by  Rob Shouten, (Dutch / Whidbey Island Artist) commissioned by the Dalai Lama's family.



    "H.H. Tenzin Gyatso, portrayed in a moment of study and reflection. The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet continues to inspire many people with his profoundly simple message of kindness and compassion towards all beings. He represents Chenrezig, the thousand armed Buddha of infinite compassion of the Tibetan pantheon, the source from which all comes into being. In this painting this is also symbolized by the multi-armed spiral galaxy."  Rob Shouten

    The mandala is simple, using glass as the focus of meditation, inserted in the middle of wood.  I also carved it at a time I received a name from a living saint, Ammachi, last June.  Kala.  It was translated to me by the Swamiji as meaning " Art.  Fine arts. Alll the arts, the embodiment of art".  Another Swamiji said it means "time, it also means beyond time, beautiful, perfect one."  I was simply blown away by the spiritual name as Amma had no idea I had carved on her sacred seat, or I am an artist / woodcarver.   Her omnisciences was proven to me.


Ammachi

I was asked to do some carving on Ammachi's pithum.  A pithum or peethum is the spiritual holy seat used by spiritual leaders in India to give talks on or singing.


Creating elephants.


The spiritual seat.

Being able to carve on the seat was a wonderful experience, indescribable.  Jai Ma!

www.groeschen.com


May 24, 2009,
Whidbey Island, WA  Pictures of a couple saved tree remnants turned into wood sculpture.

In Snohomish, Washington. (R) Doug Fir lost its top to lines slicing the sky.

 
It's Nick, cool neighbor kid with Eagle and the Snohomish River Salmon School.


IN FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON LAST JUNE

 
Western Red Cedar



 
Two salmon in Western Red Cedar.

What is required in creating a universe? All it takes is wood, a chainsaw and some paint. Right? Well, that’s how it’s done in my universe. On a serious note, my wood creation led me on a unique and inspiring journey conceptualizing the birth of the universe in infinite space with multi universes. A birth of a universe from a mother universe.<< MORE >>

www.groeschen.com

March 15, 2009 


Arcata, CA  COLUMNS and SUPPORTS,  the latest finished project... 32 columns plus 64 supports for a very unique home being built in LA. The columns are not at all corinthian, doric, or ionic, rather my own invention of inspired nature vine wrpage mets art nouveau, inspired by architects, Spain's, Gaudi and Belgium's, Victor Horta. It has been an incredible challenge with tool break downs, logistics, weather, deadlines, but rather satisfying to harvest wood from the Trinidad blow down, eco wood. 


HAVE A NICE DAY!



BLOW DOWN

 SPRUCE I HEART YOU! 



The column moving truck, one by one, sometimes two.  Moving the supports was easier, sometimes 7 at a time!



With the barked peeled and wood wizard.







The vernissage