dale dziwenka

 I love the forest, especially the trees, and appreciate all that they provide. That said I carve reclaimed wood, or pieces of a tree condemned due to development or disease.  As I break into the wood, the tree's history and particular characteristics show me what I can and cannot do with it. Often limitations are visible which inevitably transform into opportunities and inspire me along the way. - Dale Dziwenka

I originally introduced steel into my wood carvings for contrast, to represent industry, or technology and our relationship with the environment we choose to live in.  Now the work has evolved and the steel is key to the integration of the three materials. I work with raw steel rod as well as found or recycled metal parts during fabrication. 

As a young man I spent several years hitchhiking my way around the Pacific and the Atlantic, travelling via sailboat. These days I reconnect with the sea on the local Vancouver Island beaches. A rockhound my entire life, I now hand pick my stones for my sculptures and pack them back home like the treasures they are, worn and weathered, some have traveled great distances before I even pick them up.