“Ode to the Redwoods”
by Michael J. Bihlmaier Sr.
A pictorial tribute to the giant sequoias that helped build this country.
This piece is carved from salvaged redwood burl, gathered from Jacoby Creek in Humboldt County, California.
In the mid-1800s, redwood became renowned for its natural resistance to rot and ease of use in construction. By the end of the century, thanks to the transcontinental railroad, redwood had become celebrated across the nation and worldwide. Today, only about 5% of true old-growth redwood forests remain. Logging bans since 1996, along with selective harvesting in the years prior, have protected these mighty giants for future generations.
The burls used in these carvings were sourced from the stumps of trees harvested over a century ago. These stumps, originally from trees 600-800 years old, have aged gracefully in the earth and are often found in areas where forests have long since disappeared. Carefully salvaged, cleaned, and cut, these burls transform into the beautiful slabs that give life to these carvings.
After studying hundreds of old-time logging photos and reading many stories, I designed the content of each panel to capture the essence of these historic times. The centerpiece depicts an old-growth forest, showcasing the grandeur and resilience of these trees. To the right, men and animals work together to harvest logs from the forest, transporting them to landings where they’re loaded onto special wagons to be hauled to sawmills or rail yards. On the left, a water-powered sawmill cuts the logs into lumber or large square pieces, known as cants, which were then shipped to other mills to be made into boards, shingles, and lap siding, among other products.
This work stands as a tribute to the history and legacy of California’s redwood forests, honoring the trees, the people, and the industry that shaped this part of American history.
Michael Bihlmaier’s “Ode to the Redwoods” is proudly displayed at the Valley Hotel in Homewood, Birmingham, Alabama. This remarkable installation pays tribute to the history and resilience of California’s giant sequoias, carved from salvaged redwood burl with intricate details that tell the story of these ancient trees. Positioned prominently within the hotel, the piece invites guests to experience the natural beauty and historical significance of the redwoods, blending art and nature in a setting that celebrates craftsmanship and heritage.