Laminated Eagle Sculpture Reclaimed from Scrap
by Phil Alman

Every Glu-Lam-Log Home is a work of art in its own right. But Don Rutledge of Hamilton, Montana has turned a laminated log cut-off into a piece of art. This beautifully hand-carved eagle head sculpture has become a fixture of pride at the Glu-Lam-Log home office. Outside of its aesthetic beauty, the significance of this creation is that it was carved from the cut off end of a laminated log.

	Carved from the scrap cut-off end of a laminated log, this eagle bust exhibits the same no cracking, no twisting characteristics you’d expect from Glu-Lam-Log products.

Since then, the eagle has earned a permanent place in Glu-Lam-Log’s office. Not only does it attract attention to the craftsmanship that went into creating it, but, upon closer examination, it has become an excellent testimony to the consistency and quality of the laminating process. “It is really a superb example of how well the laminating crew is doing at the plant,” says Phil Alman, Glu-Lam-Log co-owner. “If you look closely at the laminated seams, they show the strength and the integrity of the bond created between the layers of wood. The shape of the carving has exposed all of glue lines. In fact, there are even areas where the actual glued surface between layers of wood is visible. You can really see how the glue becomes part of the wood.” Glu-Lam-Log sends out hundreds of lam log cross section samples every year, but this is one sample that won’t find its way into anyone else’s hands. “Don does some beautiful work,” interjects Phil. “It just amazes me how a scrap piece of laminated house log could be sculpted into the bust of an eagle.”

or Don Rutledge, this new medium has opened up more possibilities for future works. “I do like the way it comes out,” says Don. “You don’t have to cure the wood - it won’t crack, check or warp. It sure simplifies my job. Normally a piece takes about 10 days to complete.

		Don Rutledge, with his primary sculpting tool in hand, begins the process of shaping a eagle from a chunk of log.

For Don Rutledge, owner of the Rutledge Gallery, is a local chain saw artist. He began this form of sculpting over 18 years ago in the Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana. “Even though most of my family is artistic, back then I didn’t consider myself an artist,” says Don. “ But when chain saw art first came out, a man brought some of his works through the valley and I said to myself, ‘I can do that’. To this day I couldn’t tell you why I thought that, but I picked up a chain saw and a piece of wood and went to work. My first piece was an owl I worked on for about two days. It came out quite good. A lady saw it and asked me how much I would sell it for, I said ‘how about $25’, she said ‘great I’ll take it!’ After that I did another piece and it sold and it just kept going on until here I am today.”

Today Don feels very blessed to have had three of his pieces registered by the Smithsonian Institute for their historical value. He has created sculptures for at least 12 movie stars and has an eagle carving in the office of the Governor of Montana. “I have been very fortunate,” reflects Don. “From my beginnings of just a few sculptures set along side the highway north of Hamilton, Montana to being recognized nationally, I’ve been unbelievably blessed. All I can say is WOW!”

If you are interested in any of Don Rutledge’s work, you can contact him by mail at 364 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton, Montana 59840 or call him at (406) 363-7070. He would be glad to talk about a custom piece to go with your new Glu-Lam-Log Home. You could even have a sculpture done from the “scrap” logs from your home.