Michigan Forest Life - July 27, 2025

Good morning, friends, 

'Tis a damp, muggy morning in the forest, with promise of a hot day to come (Photo 1). I plan to spend part of today on the tractor, mowing trails, picnic areas, and campsites.

I'd like to devote this email to outdoor art at Winterfield Pines Nature Sanctuary.  We have a few pieces - none so distinctive that they eclipse the nature in which they are displayed.

They are meant to blend in with their

surroundings in a way that nature enhances the art and the art becomes an unexpected surprise for humans enjoying a walk in the woods. 

Perhaps we should begin with the cairn built next to the Wilson Road entry gate (Photo 2). This stack of stones from the property is meant to welcome those entering from the civilized world into a natural world and to inspire them to pause and feel Mother Nature's peace.

Let's move down the trail to "Mutation, Adaptation, Evolution,” sculpted in cement by Nicholas Nihaniv - 2001 (Photo 3). This distorted sculpture of a human, who seems to be morphing into a plant, makes me think about change that is always taking place in nature.

The artist, Nicholas Nihaniv, created one other sculpture at Winterfield Pines, a bronze displayed at a camping clearing, "First People" - 1998 (Photo 4). This sculpture depicts humans at the beginning - Adam and Eve still innocent in their nakedness - or any other primitive beginning. I love the tender connection between the male and female, as the man gently touches the foot of the woman. 

Both sculptures by Nicholas Nihaniv were original displayed on my parents property in Farmington Hills.

On the opposite side of the structure displaying "First People", is a series of hand-made tiles

entitled "Hillside Forest" (Photo 5). This assembly reminds me of large white pines growing along the river on the property. The trees are certainly old timers. Mother Nature's own sculptures.

Along the trail you will eventually encounter a large chainsaw sculpture by an artist called Swag (Photos 6 and 7). I entitled this piece "Hugh Glass" in honor of the legendary mountain man who was left for dead by his trapping party. He survived and precariously returned on foot to one of the frontier forts. The story was recently retold in "The Revenant.”

Finally, the most recent addition "Forest Spirits," a bronze created by Kegham Tazian - 2025 (Photo 8). Three elegant, flame-like figures reach for the sky like the trees surrounding them. Tazian's points out that many of his sculptures reach for the heavens. He sees it as a common human spiritual expression seen throughout history where cathedrals soar to the sky to get closer to God - and in nature where plants and trees grow tall and slender as they reach for sunlight.

I wish you the inspiration of art in your life.... and nature. 

Until next time,

Dan