L.A. arboretum’s ‘Forces of Nature’

Compton sculptor Charles Dickson takes a break from carving a bench from this earpod, a South American tree with a trunk that was 5 feet in diameter, on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia.

Compton sculptor Charles Dickson takes a break from carving a bench from this earpod, a South American tree with a trunk that was 5 feet in diameter, on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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Dozens of trees downed in the fierce windstorm a year ago were turned over to Southern California artists and woodworkers, who in turn crafted benches, tables, bowls, jewelry and sculpture for the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden’s exhibition “Forces of Nature.”

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“Keeper,” a ring box by Derrick Tan.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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“Eucalyptus Lantern” by Heather Grates.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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“Shadows,” a collection of carved necklaces by Eliana Feigelstock.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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Bowls carved from persimmon, black walnut and linden trees.   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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“Lightshade” by Stella Lee.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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Jose Morales’ glass mosaic sculpture constructed with ehretia wood.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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Wine bottle stoppers made with persimmon wood.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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Alex Cabunoc calls this piece “Lucky Baldwin’s Croquet Mallet.” It’s made of black walnut, eucalyptus and swamp mahogany.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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A week before the show opening, Charles Dickson was still sculpting his bench. The point of the piece, the artist said, was for people to touch and “be a part of it.” Indeed, visitors perched on one of the throne-like seats will feel the tree’s grain and smell its peppery sap. It’s a rare treat, given that the arboretum used to have three earpods — and only one still stands.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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Dickson chisels a lizard figure.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)