Lightning-Struck Tree at Joshua Creek Ranch in the Texas Hill Country Is Transformed into Work of Art

SAN ANTONIO, June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- When lightning struck and killed a majestic oak tree along the main entry road to Joshua Creek Ranch, The Kerchevilles, owners of the award-winning Texas Hill Country ranch, were saddened to see such a significant and beautiful tree destroyed.

As they discussed how to begin removal of the tree, an employee came up with an exciting idea to preserve the beauty and significance of the tree and transform it into a piece of art. In steps Larry Lefner - well-known artist and wood sculptor. "We thought of Larry Lefner and his unique ability to bring wood to life with his chainsaw and chisels," says Ann Kercheville, President of Joshua Creek Ranch, the award-winning Beretta Two Trident Lodge. "Larry's been commissioned to carve the 'lightning tree' into an English Cocker flushing pheasant from tall grass." While working primarily with wood, Larry creates both fine and functional art that embraces a wide range of themes, from nature-scene architectural motifs to stand-alone abstract sculptures. During the thirty-five years he has been a professional sculptor Larry has developed his own unique method of sculpting that fixes together a variety of carved hardwoods into brilliant compositions. People tend to think that these sculptures are painted, but the varieties of colors actually belong to different types of woods themselves. The carving began in April and its progress and finished work can be seen on the Joshua Creek website at http://www.joshuacreek.com/blog/2011-05-13/tree-sculpture and on Larry's website at http://www.lefnerart.com/blog.

Joshua Creek Ranch, located in the Texas Hill Country, is nestled on a stretch of the pristine Guadalupe River - just 40 minutes northwest of San Antonio's International Airport. The ranch's diverse terrain is perfect habitat for fly-fishing and the best upland bird hunting in Texas, as well as dove hunting excursions in season. Sports enthusiasts also enjoy gunning on three different automatic, state-of-the art clay shooting scenarios. There's trophy Axis Deer hunting year round and whitetail and turkey hunting in season. Gourmet dining and lodging with spectacular views top off the ultimate outdoor experience. Joshua Creek Ranch is celebrating 21 years as a superior hunting and wingshooting lodge and is the only Texas recipient of the prestigious Beretta Two Trident Designation for excellence in upland bird hunting.  

For information:

Victoria Rich
210-391-5945
[email protected]
http://www.joshuacreek.com

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SOURCE Joshua Creek Ranch