Graham transforms simple objects into works of art

By Joan Janzen

Few people can take a bundle of floral wire, a rock or piece of driftwood, some beads, spray paint, and glue to create something beautiful, but Graham Morgan from Eatonia can and does. Of course, completing one sculpted tree requires about fifteen hours of time and patience, but like most artists, Graham doesn’t keep track of time. He simply loves being creative.

Graham grew up in Saskatchewan, where trees are few and far between. A winter scene of a silhouette of trees set against a blanket of snow reminds him that spring is on its way. Since he retired from the railroad, he has been creating and sculpting trees that remind him of his past.

Graham Morgan miraculously transforms a simple block of wood into one of these beautiful carvings. Photo by Joan Janzen

He and his wife, Gail, reside in Eatonia and have enjoyed travelling, spending time in Arizona, and camping in Canada. Wherever they go, Graham collects rocks, driftwood, and slate to mount his sculpted trees.

Even after a stroke caused mobility issues in his hand, Graham continues to spend hours twisting the pieces of wire with his fingers. Why does he do it? Graham replied, “Because I can. It helps me to use my hands, and I can rest whenever I need to.”

Changing the shape of the tree and adding coloured beads transforms the sculpted tree into a fruit tree. “Women tend to prefer the fruit trees,” Gail observed.

Gail pointed out a sculpted tree she had made. “We won’t sell that one because it’s the only one I’ll ever make,” she said. “Graham loves giving them away. Everyone in the family has one, and they love them.”

A tour downstairs into Graham’s man cave revealed the art of a different variety. He showed me a block of basswood that he would be using to carve a duck. He took wood carving classes long before he started crafting his tree ornaments. “Gail didn’t think I could do it,” he said. However, he has definitely proved his proficiency.

The wooden carvings’ intricate feather patterns can easily be mistaken for genuine feathers. Once again, shaving, sanding, wood burning, and more take Graham at least twenty hours to complete a carving.

”I haven’t done many birds because they take so long. I want to give them to my kids,” he said. All of his creations are beautiful keepsakes made with much time and attention.

No matter what type of craft Graham has created, a story about the bird accompanies each one, with the choice of rock, driftwood, or tree. It’s a labour of love and a precious keepsake accompanied by a personal story. It’s difficult to put a price tag on something like that, and Graham doesn’t ever want to.