An awe-inspiring sculpture
To the editor:
Soaring high in front of the old courthouse in downtown Fort Myers is an American bald eagle tree trunk sculpture. Originally this was an oak tree that was 225 years old when it became infested with termites in 2001. Lee County spent more than $60,000 to brace and treat the tree in effort to save it. But in 2010, several large limbs broke off and crashed to the ground. Afterwards the oak tree was scheduled to be cut down, but destiny change its course. It was decided to save the tree base and part of the stump as a form to immortalize it as a landmark.
After a year-long study as to how to accomplish this issue, it was finally decided to contract chainsaw artist Marlin Miller to carve the oak tree into a sculpture. The artist offered to create the symbol of liberty, an American bald eagle in flight, for free as long as the county picked up the cost of his out-of-pocket expenses. This offer was too good to pass up.
Miller started the art project on June 9, 2011, and completed it on June 14, 2011. He was able to salvage between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds of wood scraps. With the scraps of wood, Miller sculptured small bowls. His work partner, Mark Michael of Naples, whittled the scraps into oak ink pens that are auctioned off by local charities.
What I would give to own a piece of history in the palm of my hands. Now the majestic two-story sculpture of an American bald eagle can be viewed at 2120 Main Street, Fort Myers, by anyone who enjoys and appreciates a piece of history carved into a chainsaw tree creation. Now I wonder if in Pine Island we have any chainsaw tree trunk sculptures?
Cesar Sanchez (aka Popo)
Pine Island