My name is Michelle Thevenot and I’m a sculpture artist from near Osler, Saskatchewan, Canada.
I create wildly unique wood sculpture carved with chainsaw and power tools. Locally salvaged and reclaimed wood is transformed into artistic treasures. The wood carvings appeal to nature-lovers, homes, cabins, businesses, and parks where they deliver deep connections to the wild surroundings.
I created a wow-factor 10-foot-tall wood sculpture that tells a story of iconic Saskatchewan wildlife, celebrates diversity, promotes environmental stewardship, and acknowledges the historical roots of the land.
The sculpture “Saskatchewan Roots” is made from tree trunks and roots. The wood was carved with chainsaw and power tools, then hand painted and varnished for indoor or outdoor display.
Each of the plants, animals, and insects featured in this sculpture tells a story of iconic local wildlife that we co-exist with.
The artwork connects people with the calm, grounding, healing energy of nature.
The sculpture inspires us to honor the historical roots of life that made this land home long before we gathered here to make it our home. The sculpture is a symbol of diverse beings co-existing in balance and harmony.
"Saskatchewan Roots" connects with people’s sense of home and proud identity being part of this vibrant, thriving region.
WHERE IT BEGAN
This project began 2 years ago when I was offered the opportunity to claim some salvaged Manitoba maple (box elder) trees from my family's farm site in Saskatchewan. The trees had to be removed from a construction site and were pulled out of the ground, roots and all.
The unique character of the tree trunks and roots (as well as *free* carving material) appealed to me, so of course I arranged to haul them home.
The roots were thoroughly covered in dirt. Dirt that did NOT want to "shake off" or "wash off" (which I found out in the messiest way.)
To clean the roots, it took several rounds of pressure washing, which wasn't overly effective, aside from getting myself absolutely soaked in mud.
Eventually, I resorted to excavating the roots by hand over the course of several days. It was so much work chiseling out the stubborn impacted dirt with hand tools, but it work
ed. This was followed by more pressure washing.
I mulled over creative design ideas for this unique piece of wood for quite some time. (You can't rush creativity!) And I wanted to wait until I felt that strong pull of creativity to know the direction of a future carving.
CARVING CONNECTIONS WITH SASKATCHEWAN ROOTS
The root ball looked like a nest to me, so I decided to invert the tree, and level the tree trunks as a tripod base.
Then it sat in my carving space in the back yard for several months while I looked at it, considered it, and absorbed its potential until it felt right to continue.
Like I said, you can't rush creativity!
When it finally felt to be the "right" time, the creative energy took off like a freight train, and it was full steam ahead for the next 2 months.
The nest had to have an eagle in it, which was carved from a salvaged spruce log and mounted on the top of the root "nest." Carving this pose of the bird with wings outstretched was a challenge, but the visual impact was worth it!
The lower tree trunks were the perfect place to introduce some of my favorite wildlife from the local area. Each of the plants, animals, and insects bring back fond personal memories of close encounters. They are intertwined with places, people, and different chapters of life. They are intertwined with the shared experience of living in Saskatchewan.
The "Saskatchewan Roots" sculpture features the following wildlife:
Bald eagle
Western red lilies (SK provincial flower). Also known as tiger lilies, prairie lilies.
Sharp-tailed grouse (SK provincial bird)
Raccoon
Squirrel
Ladybug
Butterfly
Jack rabbit
The carvings were hand-brushed with many layers of wood stain and oil paint. To protect the wood from the elements, the sculpture was sealed with marine spar urethane.
The base has custom-made metal anchor plates for installation. Thanks to my partner-in-art support (a.k.a husband) who is my metal fabrication specialist.
WHAT THIS ARTWORK DELIVERS TO PEOPLE
This sculpture celebrates iconic local wildlife. It is an interpretive piece to educate about some common plants and animals of the region. It advocates for environmental stewardship to care for the land and life we share it with.
The artwork helps people connect with the calm, grounding, healing energy of nature. It draws your attention to natural surroundings, being present, and tuning into how it makes you feel.
The artwork tells a story of "putting down roots" and a sense of "home." Just as each plant and animal in the sculpture makes a home on its surface, we as people also put down roots and make a home here on this land. This land has a history of wildlife and human life living on it long before we gathered here. This region of Saskatchewan is Treaty 6 territory, the traditional territory of numerous First Nations, including Plains and Woods Cree, Dene, Nakota, Saulteaux, and Anishinaabe, and is homeland of the Métis Nation. Our sense of "home" is honored by acknowledging the historical roots of the land we gather on.
This sculpture symbolizes diversity and co-existance of multiple species finding natural balance and harmony living together. The artwork inspires pride in our diverse collective identity of humans, plants, and animals that develops, grows, and contributes to a vibrant, thriving community.
Artist: Michelle Thevenot
Saskatchewan Roots, 2022
Manitoba maple, spruce, wood stain, oil paint, spar urethane sealer.
Dimensions (H x W x D): 10 x 6 x 4 feet
On display at Zak's Home Hardware garden centre as of April 28 2023. Available for purchase. Come see it in person here!
INQUIRIES
Contact the artist, Michelle Thevenot.
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