RUFUS

One of two very large weeping willow trees lost several huge branches during a snow and ice storm and had to be taken down. Since I was unable to get the equipment into the yard to remove the stump, I decided to leave enough of a stump to carve a RUFUS. I had seen the design for RUFUS. in Harold Enlow's book "Carving Figure Caricatures in the Ozark Style". The following photos and comments show my saga of carving RUFUS.

This is Enlow's drawing of what RUFUS. should look like.

This is the tree before the storm. It provided a lot of shade, but didn't do much for my garden.

This is my wife, Gundy, surveying the damage after most of the tree was cut.

There was a lot of firewood after cutting the tree down this far. Fortunately, neighbors could use the fire wood.

I covered the stump to prevent moisture from getting into it.

Then winter came and carving was not an option until spring.

Jim Nabors using his gas chain saw to help get RUFUS started.

Ivan Sysel brought his extra large chain saw to square up the stump.

After Ivan got through this is what the stump looked like.

Rough shape of the profile of RUFUS.

A little more rounding of the profile.

A view from the rear showing some of the rough work.

The dark spot is some rotten wood, which was very soft and punky.

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I tried to cut out the bad wood to get to some solid wood.

I inserted a block of good wood with outdoor glue.

The carving as of September l, 1998.

Arms are starting to appear for the first time.

The lower portion of the stump has been sloped to provide better drainage.

The carving has progressed to where the legs are beginning to show separation.

He is starting to take on the appearance of an old man.

Finally I have finished RUFUS!

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I thought I was through, when I got this far, but every carver has friends and mine showed up. First Old Joe Brott saw it and said "His beard is too white!" Then my wife looked at RUFUS and said, "he doesn't have a belt or suspenders. How can he hold his pants up?" Another one said, "That shirt looks awfully plain!" Okay, it was back to the drawing board and below is the final version. I ain't going to listen to anyone else.

SAD NEWS

Unfortunately RUFUS died from internal rotting. After proper mourning he was cremated. Everyone who had met RUFUS still mourn his passing, but he will be fondly remembered forever.