A Matter of Interpretation

Lynn Branson carved this brown pelican from a maple burl. It won best in world interpretive wood sculpture at the 2017 Ward World Championship.

Because Lynn Branson derives her inspiration from nature, she calls her business Raw Earth Carvings. Imagine her shock when an order of business cards arrived bearing the name Raw Earth Cravings! You have to laugh.

Lynn does, and often. Her journey as an artist is full of captivating stories about international border intrigue, her quest for just the right piece of wood, and sanding—lots of sanding. On the other hand, she says, “I approach my artwork as I do my world: I take it very seriously.” She is a signature member of Artists for Conservation, just one example of her commitment to raising environmental awareness through her art.

Known for creative portrayals of birds and other animals she makes from unique woods, Lynn has had an amazing career. She is a four-time world champion in the interpretive wood sculpture division at the Ward World Championship, and the Ward Foundation has chosen her as one of its 2019 Living Legends. To date, she is the only woman who has won a best in world title during the show’s 48-year history.