Octavian Metamorphosis
Octavian Metamorphosis
Billy Logan 2023 Maple wood from Cattaraugus Territory Black Walnut Burl Base
Octavian Metamorphosis—is octopus effigy ball head warclub. This effigy warclub is made from maple harvested from the Cattaraugus Territory in Irving, NY. I carved using various traditional and modern woodcarving techniques and tools. All of the finishes are hade made from mostly organic materials and methods.
The maple wood was harvested from the Seneca Nation of Indians Cattaraugus Territory in Irving, New York. The rough work was completed with hand tools using centuries old techniques with a froe, drawknife and hewing hatchet. Once the basic shape was achieved, the detail work was done by laying out the design ideas on the stock with a Sharpie. Sone chisel work was done to get some of the larger detail, followed by more detailed work using the Foredom. After the shaping was finished, the whole piece was hand sanded with ascending grits of sandpaper. More detail was added with my woodburner. I applied my homemade paste wax made from beeswax, mineral oil and mineral spirits. Lastly, the piece was mounted on a black walnut burl base and polyurethane clearcoat applied.
The octopus has significant power as a symbol of seafaring indigenous cultures. The octopus is a symbol of intelligence and creativity and represents the ability to overcome challenges. Their intelligence is so admired. They are often said to posses psychic powers because of their large and multiple brains.
