The Sturgeon Falls Beautification group unveiled its fourth wooden sculpture in downtown Sturgeon Falls this month. Located at 228 King Street at the I.D.A. Rx Drug Mart, the piece is entitled “The Watcher” and depicts a mother fox watching over her little ones. It was created by carver and artist Jim Menken, pictured with SF Beautification lead Gayle Primeau, whose summer market initiative funds the downtown carvings.
Jim used to be a primary school teacher and changed careers as in his words, “wood does not talk back!” The self-taught artist has been carving for 23 years. His first carving was for the town of Orangeville. Since then, he has carved 40 more for them, and 35 for the city of Mississauga. His subjects are primarily wildlife and people.
The Watcher is made of red oak. Jim starts with large saws to block the general shapes out, then smaller saws are used and the carving is completed with power tools. A stain of a neutral colour is painted on, and then colour is added. All of the painting is done by brush including the shading. The last application is several layers of clear coat.
This fourth sculpture joins Minnie Moose, Coco Bear and Gertrude and Gaston Geese, all on King Street.
