SEARSPORT, Maine (WABI) – Statues of Greek gods are typically sculpted from marble, but what if one was carved from wood?
Just outside of the Yardarm Motel in Searsport, chainsaw carver Josh Landry was given a special opportunity – to carve a 20-foot-tall sculpture of a Greek god.
“I’ve been 23 years now, carving. I travel all over the country with my family, doing custom jobs at people’s work, homes and businesses,” says Landry.
Yardarm Motel owners Wesley and Jenna Murphy had commissioned Landry after being impressed with his work on a carved sculpture outside the home of Stephen King.
“So, we had to take the tree down, it’s been here since the 1800s because it was rotten, but the trump was still solid, so we knew we wanted to turn a piece of art that would last a long time,” says Wesley Murphy.
“We discussed a little of what they were thinking, and then they gave me free artistic range to do what I want to do.”
Each one of Landry’s projects takes about two weeks to complete.
For the subject, Landry and the Murphy’s chose the Greek god Poseidon, as they believed the nautical theme was a good fit, not only for the Yardarm Motel, but for the surrounding Searsport community.
“When you look out their windows, you can see the ocean. We are right here in Coastal Maine; Poseidon is kind of the ruler of the ocean and the sea. To tie everything in with the compass rose, the heron, it just made sense after we discussed it.”
The Murphy’s say that the sculpture will serve as a wonderful new addition to their motel and are incredibly thankful for their opportunity to work with Landry.
“Working with Josh Landry has really been an incredible experience. He’s really easy to work with, to go over ideas with, and he’s really been with us the whole step of the way, and I really feel like we picked the best,” says Murphy.
As for the sculpture itself, Landry has received nothing but praise from locals and passerby’s.
“Every day I’m out here, people are honking and waving, and it just pushes me that harder to make it the best that I can make it. Huge smiles from everyone coming up and taking photos, telling me what different states there from,” says Landry, “For me to be able to display my art in communities like this, it is such an honor.”
The sculpture of Poseidon is expected to be on August 28th.
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