Doc - Lawrence A. Wiedman, PhD - Decatur Sculpture Tour

Doc - Lawrence A. Wiedman, PhD

I am a local kid who grew up in New Haven, IN and left after high school to chase initials after my name. Thirty-seven years ago I married my high school sweetheart and most vocal art critic. After being away for twenty years, I moved back to the area into Huntington. I have a doctorate in geology/paleontology and specialize in marine invertebrates especially coral and how to tell if a reef is healthy and happy. Over the years, I have morphed into being a marine biologist and have spent over 35 years of researching the world’s third largest barrier reef along the east coast of Andros Island, Bahamas. I just recently semi-retired from the University of Saint Francis’ Dept. of Biology where I founded and directed the Environmental Science Programs for the past 23 years.

I have been carving for 37 years always using the Mallet and Gauge Method of subtraction art. Most of my tools are over a century old and I only carve dead wood, most of it gifts from burn piles. Art seems to run in my family; both of my daughters have degrees in art and my youngest, Claire, has four degrees in art/art history and teaches it at the college level.

Huntington, Indiana

Sculptures

Gnome Sweet Gnome - 2023

This traditional hand-carved Walnut; piece is modeled from a carving for my wife long ago. There was a large knot near the right leg. I recalled the sculpture that Dean Butler, a Decatur (Belmont HS) Art Teacher had done of Johnny Appleseed for Glenbrook Mall in Fort Wayne. It had a raccoon in the same place. The hound is homage to this local inspirational artist.

The Boys in the Band - 2023

Meet the Fabulous Gnomads. What started as a present for my wife during shelter-in-place got out of control and ended up as a whole swing band. As much fun to make as I hope it is to see. If it brings a smile, I win.

The Fungus Among Us - 2022

During COVID's shelter in place a former student texted a photo of a mushroom he had found in the woods and asked if I had ever carved one, if not, would I try.  He was gifted a few of the early attempts and these are the end results. The frog just adds to the ambiance don't you think?

A PECKulier persPECKtive - 2022

This is the last log from the same walnut tree as the previous year’s walrus and hippo/rhino ballerinas. I planted it in my parent’s backyard when I was 4 year’s old. Who knew? I have had this critter and pose in mind for many years and finally found the time and materials needed. Enjoy this FOWL beast.

Javier, Lobster - 2022

My career as a marine biologist has allowed me to become very familiar with many wonderful and amazing creatures of the sea; some are even quite tasty.

Flashdancer - 2021

“Certainly inspired by many dancers and previous artists, but this is my take on the mix of nature at large and the arts. Hand Carved from a walnut log using mallet and gouge technique. If you smiled when you first saw it; I win.”

Bubbletumpy - 2021

“Certainly inspired by many dancers and previous artists, but this is my take on the mix of nature at large and the arts. In case you are wondering, my then 3 yr old grand daughter named it when asked what she would call it. Hand Carved from a walnut log using mallet and gouge technique. If you smiled when you first saw it; I win.”

The Cabbage King - 2020

Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poem, The Walrus and the Carpenter – recited by Tweedledee and Tweedledum to Alice in Through the Looking Glass, this walnut piece started as a single half ton log. Using traditional mallet and gouge carving methods this is what is left. Midway through, a very nasty crack was discovered that necessitated using a second walnut log for the top hat, so , as the Queen of Hearts said "Off with his hat" (sorta)... The show must go on. The piece's title comes from the poem “The time has come," the Walrus said, “To talk of many things: Of shoes—and ships—and sealing-wax—Of cabbages—and kings—And why the sea is boiling hot—And whether pigs have wings.”

The Cabbage King - 2019

A B-REEF Moment in Time - 2018

As a Marine Biologist and educator, I am always looking for ways to share the stuff that fascinates me “at work”. This is a scene that I might encounter in the Bahamas near Andros Island, where I have studied the world’s 3rd largest barrier reef for over 35 years. Each piece is from found or recycled wood and has been hand carved, some you may recognize by former lives. Look closely, you might even see a familiar carving making a guest appearance.

Get Krakon - 2017

Wheeee!!! - 2016

Sassafras log rescued from burn pile. Done by traditional Mallet and Gauge Subtraction Carving Yes, polar bears really do this, although no one is certain why, maybe it is just for fun