FOX RIVER GROVE – It’s difficult to imagine how Eric Widitz’s creatures come to life. What begins as a simple block of wood eventually is transformed into a detailed and lifelike sculpture. While primarily using a chainsaw, Widitz creates sculptures of bears, birds, fish, pet memorials, furniture and even people. He then uses chisels and knives for the fine details.

A gallery of his work can be found at www.artwooddesigns.com/sculpture-gallery.html.

In 1978, Widitz began his own landscape design business. He slowly began creating more intricate pieces – ranging from wooden signs to cabinetry – to eventually three-dimensional wooden sculptures.

In 1999, Widitz did an on-site carving at Barrington High School and sculpted a bucking bronco, the school’s mascot, out of a 5,000-pound willow tree trunk.

He chooses wood from slash piles or dead standing timber as part of his commitment to preserve the environment.