Gwen S. Thibadeau
Wilcox County
Wood Carving
"Growing up in Wilcox County, I never realized how unique the landscape is here, and returning to the river after many years gave me a new perspective and desire to share with others."
The Alabama River Cypress Swamp is Gwen's go to place for the primary material for her art. After the cypress knees are harvested and dried for six months, they are boiled and stripped. She studies each piece and its unique shape before carving. Gwen said she looks "at each knee and see shapes and faces, and I use the natural shape of each knee." Painting each piece might take her several weeks to complete. The whole process from harvesting through painting could take as long as twelve months! She said that "sharing something unique and special with others and seeing their delight in such a different piece of art" is very rewarding.