Owl in the Owllight

There are owls echoing their calls in the hills that surround us as owl light wondrously descends.  These creatures are enchanting reminders of the magic of the woods and the importance of wild spaces. Why Owl Light News, some inquiring readers might ask.  To begin with, there is something in the light that lingers on the edge of darkness that inspires one to listen and reflect.  It also speaks to the wisdom of owls in ancient lore, as well as to the changing times that threaten their habitats, and the well being of all living things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preservation of objects past is a part of ensuring the use of this, our one planet, for many generations of life into the future.  As such, I am ever aware of object, things that can be saved and enjoyed rather than discarded (a gift inherited from my father).  Such was the case a couple months ago when I caught sight of a carved wooden owl, discarded, I was told, along with an irredeemable old couch in the parking lot at Messenger Post Media Printing.  An eye, so crucial to these creatures of the night, was missing and the body was weathered, badly.

On the back of the Owl was an attached tag, with the name of the maker – Peter A Ligozio – and the date it was made – 12/97.  In an online search we discovered that Ligozio was born on September 9, 1938.  He died on June 17, 2005 at age 66. We have not been able to find out more, yet, about his life of art or other carvings, but would love to.

When it comes to woodworking and preservation, I turn to my partner, T. Touris.  He came to the Owl’s rescue – cutting away the damaged post section, steam heating and kiln drying the wood to stop infestation and treating the wood with penetrating oil to preserve it.  With that done, new glass eyes were installed. 

We may never know who this Owl was first carved for or where she has traveled since 1997. Now, nestled in the hollows near Canadice Lake, amidst towering Norway spruce, watching for rodents in the shadowy forest, Peter A Ligozio’s Owl creation has found a new home with Owl Light News.