A living tree is wrapped in a two piece cylindrical mold that induces the tree trunk to form a sculptured face. (or other art).
-- Zimmy, Aug 18 2006

Square Watermelons http://www.ces.purd...ird/squaremelon.jpg
Fruit shaped by transparent compressing molds [Zimmy, Aug 18 2006]

(?) Carved Faces in Trees http://www.thegreenman.com/tree.html
I was hoping for something less detrimental to the tree. It mentions that something must be applied to the tree each year, I think to prevent insect attack due to the bark removal. [Zimmy, Aug 18 2006]

Bear http://africanprinc...photo.php?photo=486
(There used to be a railing about where the "arms" are, and the growths grew around and along it.) [DrCurry, Aug 18 2006]

Toltec Face http://africanprinc...photo.php?photo=645
(I have no explanation for this one, other than coincidence; you can only see the face from this angle.) [DrCurry, Aug 18 2006]

Arborglyph http://www.langara....arch-arborgraph.jpg
I don't know how old this is, but I think it is considered a Culturally Modified Tree. (biggest image I could find, sorry.) [Zimmy, Aug 18 2006]

Chapman creek gnome home http://www.johnharv...FortWithSpirit.html
[2 fries shy of a happy meal, Aug 19 2006]

Or you can go the quick and easy way http://www.shopzill...yword--tree%20faces
[NotTheSharpestSpoon, Aug 25 2006]

Why just the tree itself. What about the fruit? http://www.telegrap...eaks-of-nature.html
[2 fries shy of a happy meal, Sep 07 2009]

Interesting idea, but trees are *much* stronger than pumpkins. Applying force over a longer period of time, they can crack concrete, even rocks. So your molds will have to be held on very tightly.

But see links of a couple of trees in Central Park.
-- DrCurry, Aug 18 2006


When I was a kid, someone showed me a tree that had a large branch that looped in a "circle". They told me that the Native Americans did that to point to something.

I have wondered before if you could use that method to create a living scupture. It would take a lifetime or more to complete the sculpture, though.
-- Zimmy, Aug 18 2006


Ooh, [DrC] I love that Bear and Toltec Face. Are they photos of yours? I love to see magic in nature.

Thank you.
-- xandram, Aug 18 2006


Nice photos, [DrC], They re-confirm my thoughts that people like me just shouldn't be the ones taking pictures.
-- Zimmy, Aug 19 2006


AHA! [linkedy links]
-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Aug 19 2006



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