STAFFORD – In a cast of artistic ingenuity, the Bay Avenue Community Center has reeled in a remarkable catch. What was once a lifeless red oak tree now stands as a striped bass wood carving – open mouth and all.
Kevin Treat, who calls himself “the sawptician,” carved the magnificent fish in just three days. And it’s not the first time Treat has transformed nature’s remnants into awe-inspiring artwork within the community. Back in 2019, he crafted a majestic eagle from a beech tree proudly perched in front of the municipal complex.
When presented with the opportunity to carve a masterpiece from the tree standing in front of the community center, Treat extended a couple of options to Stafford officials.
“The town wanted something that represented the area,” shared Treat. “I gave them a picture of an ‘old salt’ sailor and a striped bass as suggestions.”
Mayor Greg Myhre said township officials thought sticking with the wildlife theme made the most sense. Myhre sees the new wood sculpture as a prospective photo op.
“It might be a good place for someone who catches a fish to take a picture,” Myhre suggested. “We have a big striped bass fishing community in our area. Most people I talk to are either avid fishermen or have been at one point or another.”
According to Treat, the trees he works on are all compromised, and the red oak he transformed into a remarkable wood carving was no exception. The presence of hollow spots posed a unique challenge during the transformation process. Additionally, the tree’s unstable condition was evident in several large branches on the verge of falling, potentially posing a liability for the town.
To bring the stunning striped bass wood carving to life, the commissioning cost for Treat’s craftsmanship was $2,434. With artistic beauty often considered priceless, authorities consider it a great investment. The otherwise necessary removal of the tree could have incurred a similar expense.
Treat’s talents came to the attention of Stafford officials when he participated in a Carve Wars competition held in Tuckerton in 2018. However, the story behind how this gifted wood carver acquired his unique moniker comes with its share of intrigue.
By adopting the name “sawptician,” Treat cleverly fused the tools of his trade – the saw and the optician’s precision – to reflect the unique combination of his past and present careers.
“Chainsaw carving was a hobby of mine for a number of years,” shared Treat. “I’m an optician by trade and made eyeglasses for a living.”
After 26 years as an optician, Treat took advantage of an opportunity to sell off his partnership when his colleague joined a larger group. Treat took off for a year to figure out what he wanted to do. As he delved deeper into his wood carving hobby, Treat discovered he was not only shaping intricate sculptures but also carving out a new identity for himself in the artistic realm.
“People were asking me to do trees in their yards like the one in Stafford,” Treat said. “I did fairs and commission work and found out I could make a living at this.”
Treat, 56, is from a little town in Pennsylvania named Lake Winnola. In addition to transforming trees into works of art as permanent structures, Treat also captivates audiences with live displays showcasing the intricate process behind his creations.
