A Man of the Woods . . "I believe in the Creator as the higher power in my life. He has given each one of us a special talent to be focused upon, then shared. He, the Creator of all that surrounds me, is what inspires me. The trees the lakes, rivers and streams with all the wildlife, the wind and grassy plains, these are all a part of what makes life worth living."

The Artist's Life . . a Biography - Canadian Artist - Curt Sauer- From the time I was just a boy, wood has always been an integral part of my daily existence. I guess I owe that to my Dad. He spent plenty of time with me in the bush in Vernon BC and in what's called the Carriboo/Chilcotin (Central Interior) near the town of Williams Lake BC. And it was with my Dad that I learned how to use a handsaw. A chainsaw makes short work of a piece of wood, but to truly appreciate what you have at your fingertips, you need your hands on the bark...you need to touch the heart of the wood in order for it to touch you back.

I learned a lot about wood from my father and together we worked in sawmills in key positions, did plenty of home renovations and were forever doing projects together. I really enjoyed the time we got to share. The money always managed to procure us a few new tools and the evolution of our desire to be around wood brought us both to carving. This opened great doors for me and offered a sense of personal satisfaction in working with the wood that had been somewhat elusive before. Carving allowed me to express what the wood had taught my heart to recognize - that it too has a personality and character that offers solace and satisfaction in return for bringing it to life. In cutting down a piece of wood, we take its life, yet in carving, we give it back a new life. I think all carvers must feel the way I do. My creativity flows like a river when I'm submersed in my craft. I like that feeling very much.

When I carve, I sometimes feel my Algonquin Ancestors watching over my shoulder and guiding my hands. I have a great passion for our environment and worry over the exploitation of our renewal resources. It only makes sense to be carefeul with what the Earth has given us. How else are we to survive if the trees are all gone?

My wife tells me that my art speaks with eloquence and effect moreso than any written word could demonstrate. I hope you feel as she does. It was her gift to me - a beautiful drawing of three generations of Chiefs - Grandfather, Father and Son, that first moved me to create the essence of spirituality in wood. My beautiful wife is the sunshine in my day, the smile in my laughter. She has always known how to reach into my heart and show me how to live out loud.

I carve because the wood calls me - speaks to me. Perhaps it's my Ancestors whispering through the ancient pines that I hear; perhaps it's the spirit of an old carver long gone who still wants to use his hands. And perhaps it's just the beat of my heart moving along the bark of a tree who needs to express their voice - whatever it is that drives me, I'll carve until my hands can carve no more.

All My Relations
Curt

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