Ice Bear and Ursa Minor

Ice Bear and Ursa Minor

There is an island off the coast of Siberia where ice bears go to raise their young. It is something like a bear nursery. This piece is dedicated to the journey of those bears. Perhaps they follow the stars to find their way...
This piece is carved from aspen wood collected in the mountains. It is painted with acrylic and metal leaf. There is antique tin nailed to the surface of the boat. The boat is set on a metal stand. 
14.25"h x 13.5"w x 7"d
Here's a link to a story about the island that inspired this piece:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/05/wrangel-island/sides-text

one of my study sketches for the Ice Bear

View inside the boat