Anglesea artist reveals tree project's final form

AFTER more than 140 hours of carving, Anglesea artist Brock Filder has unveiled the final form of his latest project in front of friends and family last Saturday.

Mr Fidler started carving on 120-year-old fallen Monterey pine tree at Bellbrae Estate in March earlier this year, a project he initially thought would take about three months.

“I’ve never taken on a project that’s required more than 100 hours of work so that was a feat in itself,” Mr Fidler said.

“I always tell myself to try something that is a bit out there, and I’m excited by the unknown.

Brock Fidler (right) and Bellbrae Estate owner Richard Macdougall address those in attendance. Mr Fidler’s tree-carving under the night stars. Photos: PETER BRIGHTON

“I’m a big advocate in doing the same thing over and over to perfect a craft in detail and quality, but in saying that, taking a risk and doing something out of the ordinary can be a preferred option.

“I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve done on this project.”

Almost 100 friends and family attended Brock Fidler’s tree unveiling last Saturday. Here they are in front of the 120-year-old Monterey Pine tree at Bellbrae Estate.

Mr Fidler said he used a chainsaw, a grinding tool called an Arbortech bit, a blowtorch and two different types of stain to complete the project.

“I’d go there every Thursday and Friday each week until I arrived at that happy place of completion and then the owner of Bellbrae Estate, Richard Macdougall and I, locked in a day to celebrate the opening of the carving for friends and family.

“It was a great time and I enjoyed watching a lot of the crew climbing the tree.”

Mr Fidler said a two-toned stain gave the tree some pop, to draw extra attention from the highway.

Children and adults alike had the chance to make full use of the rejuvenated tree.

All attendees to the opening enjoyed a range of wines, wood-fired pizzas, some cheeses, and a special musical performance from Mr Fidler’s close friend Immy Owusu.