Molalla Timber & Saw Milling Murals
Molalla, OR
Dedicated July 5, 2012
Artist: David S. Gordon
Budget: $29,000
Project Description
Logging Mural
The mural focuses on a high climber just after he has limed and topped a spar tree. Although the work is hard and dangerous, the man stops for a moment to contemplate his view. The thoughts of the man perched high on a tree looking out on the forest are left for the view to imagine. This image explores several aspects of timber cutting that are integral in a depiction of the logging industry; the beauty of the landscape, the nature of the work itself, and the interaction between these two elements. A working man, connection to his tools, begins the process of harvesting wood from a Doug Fir forest. After the spar tree is rigged, cut timber can be moved to the staging ground and then transported to the mills. Although this image illustrates only the beginning of the process, it stands as a symbol of the danger, professionalism and satisfaction of an honest day’s work in this industry, experiencing the view after felling the top of a Douglas Fir tree.
Sawmill Mural
This mural, situated on the Southwest side of the structure portrays the small, family owned sawmill as an important component of the Molalla community for many years. Landowners were able to generate income from their property using the prevailing technology of the circular saw and a moving carriage. The logs were transported and loaded to the mill site and run through the saw many times to create milled wood. The sawyer working in the mills is referenced from a photo of John Watson (at the Yoder Mill). The younger worker is the next generation of sawmill worker. The scene outside the mills structure shows a mature stand of Doug Fir in the distance, and Doug Fir seedlings growing in the meadow, representing another generational transition. The yellowish light in the sawmill is
Art Selection Committee
Eileen Belanger – Artist Consultant
Alicia Cook – Portland General Electric, Molalla Resident
Mike Graves – Timber/Logging Business Owner
Mary Lynn Jacob – Molalla Arts Commission
Stan Low – Timber/Logging Business Owner
Mary Robertson – Resident
Jude Strader – Molalla Arts Commission
Public Art Project Manager
Elizabeth Klein – Program Manager, Clackamas County Arts Alliance