Medium: Natural reclaimed driftwood with Baltic amber containing fossilized insects.

History of the reclaimed river wood :
This wood started its life during the period of the American civil war, Circa 1865. The old growth forest these trees grew in was a 850 acre river gorge in the upper peninsula of Michigan. During the Great Depression, then president Herbert Hoover starter a number of domestic projects to help the country recover. This river valley was targeted for the creation of a reservoir and hydroelectric power station. The old growth forest was logged in 1930 and the treetops, stumps and roots were left tangled on the valley floor. The valley was flooded in 1931 entrapping the remnants. Because of the coldness of the water, the wood stayed perfectly preserved while being exposed to the sculpting effects of the rivers current for the last 80 years. Several years ago the lake was drained to effect repairs on the power station, exposing an incredible collection of beautiful river wood and so the harvesting began.....

Amber formed when resin from ancient pine trees hardened and fossilized, and in some rare cases entrapping insects and flys.
The amber in this sculpture illuminates thru lighting installed within the driftwood, enabling the unique insects trapped in the amber to be observed.
Properties of Amber include : •Balance emotions •Eliminates fears •Clears the mind •Dissolves negative energy •Helps develop patience and wisdom