maller trees that have been choked by vines are Donna Dotson’s raw materials. She collects them from her farm in Scott County Virginia where she has lived with her family for many years. She uses sassafras, cherry, poplar or any tree, as long as it bears the serpentine scars from the entwining vine. From there she carves and wood burns the snakes, birds, fairies or whatever she feels the natural design dictates. Hidden in the pieces are subtle touches; black sapphire eyes in snakes and occasional obsessive details in the burning.
Snake Cane, The Opportunist Carved /Wood-burned / Black Sapphire Eyes
Timber Rattle with Young Carved Cane / Wood-burned