Bruce Fransen of Harpers Ferry is an award-winning sculptor, musician, and arborist. Growing up on Long Island, NY, near the seashore he has absorbed an abundance of creative images and inspiration for all of his artistic endeavors.
Combining these “sea juices” with 40 plus years of tree preservation experience – pruning, diagnosing, taking down of dead or hazardous trees – has afforded Bruce a deep understanding of wood and the treasures that lie within. “Green” business is important to Bruce. His carving wood is repurposed from his tree business and other local sources. He does not import exotics thereby maintaining a small carbon footprint.
Bruce’s educational experience at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia has provided formal structure to his artistic pursuits, and helped to cement an artful way of life. Bruce is also an accomplished musician who has played the woodwinds professionally for more than 40 years. His improvisational approach to music helps to inspire his unique sculpture.
“I feel that a profound relationship exists between my music, my sculpture, the sea, and trees. I love teasing out the magical forces held in their balance.”
Reactions to Bruce’s work: “unique” “flowing” “calming” “peaceful” “growing”
“a joyful collision of line, surface and form”
The process: Bruce’s creations are carved – a rigorous and time consuming process. They all start with a log and a chain saw. After roughing out with chain saws the creations are refined with grinders, sanders and fine tool hand work. Most pieces are brought to a high polish to enhance the grain. Texture and color are sometimes added as new elements for dramatic visual and tactile experiences.
