MEANING: From a Naval or Maritime perspective, an anchor is what puts down roots deep into the sea to hold a ship in place; it has been associated with strength and stability. By this association, the sea anchor can be seen symbolically as something that holds you in place and provides you the strength to hold on no matter how rough things get. Sailor’s have long used Anchor tattoos to show their connection to the sea.
On an emotional level, we have often had someone “be our anchor” or have “been someone’s anchor” indicating a relationship that provides strength and support no matter what is thrown in your path...or perhaps...what creates turbulent seas...
For Christians, The Anchor is an emblem of Hope that can be thought of as holding one steadfast in time of trial or doubt. In ancient times, during the period of Roman persecution, the anchor was a symbol with ties to the early Christian church. Roman vessels carried several anchors attached to the stern and prow allowing the vessel to stay steadfast in turbulent seas, giving hope to those aboard. The shape of the Anchor contains a Cross which could be used as a means of identification between Christians during the times or persecution.
SIZE: Standard size is 11.5 inches tall x 8.25 inches wide. Miniature is 6 x 4 inches.
THE CARVING: Our carvings are single pieces of western red cedar, designed and carved to be wall hangings. Each carving begins as a 1 X 12-inch cedar board. While we use power tools (Scroll Saw, Rotary shaft Tool, handheld detail sanders, etc.), we use no lasers, CNC machines or computer-operated cutting machines. All work is done with our hands and eyes…
We cut the 2-dimensional blanks with scroll and jig saws (double-sized custom orders have to be cut with a jigsaw). Carving is done with rotary shaft tools and disc grinders. The 80-grit sanding is the final phase of the carving process, removing the nicks and gouges from the carving tools, and finishes the shaping of the weave. The next 2 sandings with 120 and then 220 grit finishes the smoothing and polishing. They are finished with Clear Danish Oil to seal the piece, bringing out the grain and the color.
