Owls are one of my favorite subjects for sculptures. This owl's head is turned 180 degrees, and looking over its back. Osage Orange is an American timber that is very hard; this sculpture was sanded to #600 and finished with Tung Oil.

Judges' comments on awarding the 2022 Environment/Wildlife Sculpture Prize:

Looking backwards, an owl standing on a hill carved in timber. Resemblance of a tribal mask. Skilled use of technique and relationship with subject and materials. Producing an exquisite form depicting the original materials through the carved form of an owl. The timber used, Osage Orange, requires skill and attention to detail.