Artist turning fallen tree into living bench

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - When a 150 year old live oak fell in Oakland Park in Winter Garden, leaders hired local chainsaw artist Sam Knowles to do what he does best.

Knowles says, "Stumps are more difficult, low to the ground like this.  This one has been a challenge, but we've gotten the good out of it I believe. It lends itself to things laying down."  Things like alligators and turtles, all tediously chiseled into the wood.

The only mandate given to Sam was that, whatever he created, it should serve as a bench for residents to view the beautiful surroundings.  

Sam says he's leaving behind a piece of himself.  "It will represent a little slice of Florida, the wild part."   The part of Florida that Sam knows best. 

He hopes to have his artistic bench completed some time next week.