What are the chances? On a small island like St. Simons, that not just one, but two talented artists, enjoy carving soulful and whimsical faces into the bark of oak trees.
Soon after our arrival here, we stumbled into the work of local artist Keith Jennings, and wrote several posts about his Tree Spirits.
Recently, we were contacted by another Tree-Spirit artist, William Denmark. And thanks to his detailed directions, we were able to find many of his fascinating works. One thing we’ve learned about Tree Spirits is that they aren’t necessarily easy to find (hence … spirits).
We enjoy this quest because it’s a good excuse to travel to areas we haven’t visited, and Bill’s spirits were no exception. Bill said, “Go to the Ace Garden Center by the shade house. Then go to Mrs. Bennett’s Bait Shop off the causeway, north side, between the two high bridges. At the bait shack, look left.”
We didn’t meet Mrs. Bennett, but we did chat with her pleasant daughter. And now the real purpose of those isolated buildings in the middle of the marsh, is no longer a mystery.
Bill also steered us to some of his early work on College Street, which, for obvious reasons, he affectionately calls his “ZZ Top Collection.”
So a big shout-out to Bill Denmark, and our sincere thanks for the introduction to his artwork.
Happy Trails,
James
And if you’re curious, check our the other Tree Spirits we’ve discovered on St. Simons Island, Georgia USA.
The Watchers in the Hammock
Tree Spirits: A Great Excuse to Hit the Pub
Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island: The Search Continues
Tree Spirits of St. Simons: The Other Woman
GALLIVANCE 
Superlike(d) 🙂
Thanks so much. Glad you liked it. ~James
(Reminds me that they were my first concert in the late ’80s.) Hadn’t heard of tree spirits so I’ve learned something new today. I imagine you have to be quite good to avoid either permanently disfiguring the tree, or maybe killing it!
Thanks Hayley. As I wrote to another commenter, the trees are not harmed, and in fact, in a few years the bark grows to cover the carvings. See this post where I discuss these “reclaimed” spirits: https://gallivance.net/2012/07/25/tree-spirits-of-st-simons-island-the-search-continues/
~James
soulful yes……..but I was thinking about the poor trees
Not to worry. There’s no permanent damage to the trees. In fact, over the years, the bark of the trees just grows to cover the carving. Keith Jennings calls these covered carvings “reclaimed”. See this post, where I discuss it: https://gallivance.net/2012/07/25/tree-spirits-of-st-simons-island-the-search-continues/
~James
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Denise. ~James
Love the Tree Spirits,hope I can see them before they are reclaimed
Don’t worry Joyce, it takes a few years for the tree bark to grow over, so I think you’re OK. Take care, Love, JH
Love, love, love your blog. You write so beautifully! I’ve nominated you for the Best Moment Award! Details on my blog! 🙂
Congratulations on your award Aimee! What a fascinating gathering of people you’ve assembled. We are touched and honored to be included in such eminent company. Many thanks. Can’t wait to check out all these enticing blogs.
Please follow this link to our Awards Page to see our personal response and Thank You.
Wishing you all the best, Terri & James
https://gallivance.net/about/
This is an amazing fine. The carving on these trees is amazing. Tree Spirits is an excellent name.Thanks for sharing.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks Francine. These carvings are very well done, and I’m surprised that I haven’t seen the technique before. ~James
Gotta hand it to a place like St. Simons. In much of the US, these trees would be defaced (couldn’t resist the pun) within minutes.
Pretty funny Tom. That’s like the hockey joke about a “face off in the corner”. It’s not quite your caliber, but it’s the best I can come up with on short notice. ~James
Excellent shots, Just love it
Thanks so much. I’m glad that you enjoyed them. ~James
What talented and inspiring artists, your quest looked like a lot of fun, great post 🙂
Thanks Katrina. The quest was loads of fun. It was also helpful because we were new to the island, and it gave us an excuse to explore. ~James
The carvings are amazing, and the expressions! Thanks for the links.
Thanks Amy, we really enjoy the tree spirits, and we’re glad we can share them with others. ~James
You’d think with all of ZZ Top’s hits, and being married to a guitar player, I could think of some clever pun for this. But I got nothin’. “She’s got limbs” is the best I can do. Lame.
Neat post, though. Both artists make the trees look so animated.
Not bad Anita. I saw a video of these guys at the Clapton fest a few years ago, and they still got the mojo. Check this youtube video to see how perfectly the artist named the tree spirits. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai-aLzd5imI
BTW, is Big D working on his beard? ~James
Ha, ha. No, he recently shaved his off per my gentle request. I’ll definitely check out the You Tube video.
The tree carvings are fabulous!! They make you smile. As I read the comments i had the answer to my question – who the trees survive. Vrginia
Thanks Virginia. They are very cool, and both artists are careful to do no harm to the trees. In fact, Bill Denmark discussed his carvings with an arborist, and he’s careful to stay within the guidelines. ~James
Love this! I am a tree hugger and occasional carver. Thank you for this delightful entry,
Thanks for the comment, and for dropping by the blog. The two artists here on St. Simons Island do a wonderful job, and it makes for interesting discovery roadtrips. ~James
Love it! Love the nickname you coined. 🙂
Thanks Stephanie. Check this youtube video to see how perfectly the artist named the tree spirits. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai-aLzd5imI
~James
Those are great!
I agree, these really are cool. Working in a living medium must be a different experience for an artist. ~James
Thanks for the mention. I also carved a spirit for Mr Macgarvey at his rental property.
Leaving the island turn right off the causeway. His rental property is on the left at the light. Turn left and left into the driveway. Between two buildings straight back straight ahead. Sorry I can’t remember name of road.
Bill Denmark
No problem Bill. Glad to help get the word out. We don’t live on SSI any more, but on our next trip down we’ll check this new carving out. All the best. ~James