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Baron the Bear

Baron was carved from a five-foot maple stump by chainsaw sculptor Todd Bredin. In October 2023 the tree came down beside the house. What was left standing became the bear: roughed in with a chainsaw, finished by hand, then stained. These photos follow that making.

A climber taking limbs out of the maple — October 11, 2023. The maple is still standing while the limbs come down.

The maple later on October 11 — Later that day the top is gone, and the trunk is left standing in the yard.

The maple stump left standing, with a chainsaw on the lawn — October 14. The stump is left tall, and the chainsaw is ready.

Early carving on October 14 — October 14. The crown of the stump is opened with the first chainsaw cuts.

Carving underway on October 14 — October 14, afternoon. Ears and the block of the head stand above the bark.

Todd Bredin roughing the bear's head from the stump — October 15. Todd Bredin roughs the head out of the fresh maple.

The bear taking shape on October 15 — October 15. The figure stands in the chips, ears up, with the lake behind it.

Carving later on October 15 — October 15, from the side. The bear is still raw maple.

Todd Bredin beside the partly carved bear — October 16. Between chainsaw cuts, the shape is checked by hand.

Close view of the unfinished pale-wood bear face — October 17. The face is in the wood, still pale, with the chainsaw marks showing.

The carving on the evening of October 17 — October 17. The feet are carved down onto what is left of the stump.

The finished stained sculpture of Baron the Bear — December 8. Stained and finished: black fur, a warm muzzle, and the fur carved into the chest.

Baron the Bear on December 22 — December 22. Baron wears a lighted wreath and a plaid bow.

Baron the Bear in the snow with crossed skis — Winter. Baron in the snow, with a plaid bow and a pair of crossed skis.

Baron the Bear wearing a yellow raincoat — January 4, 2024. Baron dressed for the weather, still standing on the original stump.

Baron the Bear later on January 4 — January 4, from the side, with the lake behind him.

Close view of Baron the Bear's finished face — A close look at the finished face.