Desert Bird - Saguaro Cactus carving: saguaro root 2009

Saguaro Cacti are a protected plant in Arizona, and it is therefore a very rare opportunity to be able to carve the root of such a plant.  It is surprising indeed to find that on the inside of a Saguaro cactus, fibrous, hard ribs form to help it stay upright.  They have a firm, yet light, woody texture that is a delight to carve.  So when a family member's cactus died and collapsed and they told me I could take part of it, I was naturally very excited.  Connected to a six foot stretch of "ribs" were the roots that I carved.  Initially the shape of the root inspired me to draw a seal or sea lion, but considering the nature of the material, I settled on a bird instead with a stone bead for the
eye.