Beardmore, Ontario. c1980. Softwood, softwood root. As a result of his years observing nature as a prospector, Ewald Rentz loved to use exotic shaped, found branches in his work. Here is a very well executed bird tree carving featuring six small brightly painted birds, each one with a different colour combination. They are mounted to a curved root with varnish finish. The whole mounted to a five stage wooden base that includes a large root ball. Signed underneath, "E Rentz". Good condition. From the Marty Osler Collection. 28" x 25.75" x 10". Ewald Rentz (1908-1995) was born in North Dakota, but grew up in Manitoba before settling in Beadmore, Ontario. A man of many trades, Rentz worked throughout his lifetime as a lumberjack, prospector, cook and a barber. During his time as a prospector, Rentz would collect unusual roots, fungus and branches which he would use to create his whimsical, often humorous, sculptures. He would 'coax the hidden forms out of the wood', turning discarded materials into intricate carvings depicting people and animals such as bellhops, matadors and mermaids. His works are renowned amongst Canadian folk art collectors and can be found on permanent display at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and in many collections across North America.