Sam Meeks Fleming Mountain Wildlife Sculptures

 Thirteen years ago, I began to learn the intricacies of creating wildlife sculptures, I knew then that there was something magical about creating life, action, and beauty from a block of wood.  I gathered the tools, studied the art, began a journey and never looked back. I  honed my skills until the wood began to speak, and the subjects came alive. I have carved a host of subjects including raptors, songbirds, ducks, shorebirds, and sea life.  My style is primarily ”decorative ,” or realistic in scale, scope and color.  Each piece is mounted on a unique base that is handpicked, carved, and finished to compliment the artistry of the bird.

it is my hope that even in  the smallest capacity, these will not only be special in their own rightt, but also a constant reminder of our connection to the beauty and wonder of the wild.

A slow and intricate process, carving takes years to master and requires a multitude of skill sets.  It begins with the selection of a subject, a study of its natural setting, and discovering the intricacies of its size, shape, colors, textures, movement, and personality,

Wood sculpture requires proficiencies in woodworking, drawing, wood burning, carving, metal working, and painting along with a big dose of patience and the artistic talent to blend it all altogether.

“To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separated from.”- T. Williams

All of my life I have had a passion for the wild.  My creations are an effort to replicate some of nature’s most beautiful creatures and to remind us preserve and protect some of God‘s greatest gifts to mankind.
Since 1970 , wildlife numbers have plunged an average of 70% across the globe. Over 3 billion birds alone have been lost. The growing impact of climate change, deforestation, human exploitation, and pesticides are unraveling natural systems at an unprecedented rate. The song of the canary in the coal mine grows dimmer by the day.  It is my hope that these sculptures may remind us of our closeness and responsibilities to the wild. It is an integral part of who we are, what we hope to be, and the legacy of what we leave our children.