Texas Bench Finished

It's been a while since I've posted....

 I've finally finished the bench for The Woodlands, Texas.  This is the view from one side...

 ...and this is the view from the other.

 My original proposal called for leaves to be polished, like the leaves in "Crucible" which will be installed at the University of Indianapolis later this year...

 ...or like the leaves on "Release" in Fort Nugent Park of Oak Harbor, Washington.

 This is a detail that shows how I finished these leaves.  I used a chisel texture to give more "life" to the piece.  I came upon this solution serendipitously as I carved the piece.  I think it's a HUGE improvement to what I originally envisioned.

 I had put in a lot of work during November and December because I knew that snow and freezing temperatures were inevitable.  We got several inches of snow between January 10 and January 25...and they're calling for more snow next week.

 A group of Grackles took over the feed table during the snow days...

...and the cat was stuck inside with me.