Title
The Swimmer
(part of a 3-part wood sculpture, The Triathlete.
Click here to see plans)

Although the carving portion is complete, this piece will be mounted on a 24" x 47" back plate (black walnut). Finally, it will be set, at an angle, in an alcove (see plans), to the left of, respectively, The Biker, and The Runner.

Date of Completion
June, 2006

Wood
New York State Basswood

Carving Difficulty
Difficult. I had to cut rotten portions off (and out), and replace them with solid pieces, i.e. the hand, and the heart.

Size
Lifesize.

See this piece as it was being made
Once, while on vacation on Hawaii, I decided to try body-boarding. I thought that a good place to start would be Pipeline, on the North Shore. The surf looked inviting enough; after all, I was an ocean-certified lifeguard.

After the first wave, I was underwater, in a vicious spin cycle. Duly humiliated, I staggered back onto the beach, dragging the body board with my foot-leash.

I had this experience in mind when I carved the underbelly of this piece; this swimmer is staying on the surface of a monster wave, in control.
See more shots of this piece.

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For more information, please email:
steffrocknak@yahoo.com

© 1997 Stefanie Rocknak