A single tree stands alone in the forest, waiting to be turned into a beautiful carving that still holds the soul of the tree in its appearance, shape and color.

At the Southern Illinois Small Business Incubator mirrors hang on the wall while a single tree makes its way up the sides of them. Iridescent light escapes through the spaces between tree limbs on a door frame. These wood items are on display by a local artist to show the beauty of our native woods.

Don Brookens, a contemporary folk artist from Anna said he got interested in carving his three-dimensional creations when his sister saw a wood carving at a craft fair and he made it for her for Christmas.

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Brookens said he has been carving wood for 18 years now, and he always draws out a sketch of his work before carving it.

It usually takes me anywhere from six to eight hours to carve the smaller pieces, and for the larger ones like the door frame, it takes three to four months, he said.

The door frame on display is for sale for $5,000, one of Brookens’ most expenses pieces. Most run for less than $100.

Brookens said people may see different things in his carvings, but they should all get a good feeling.

I would like people to get the feeling of appreciation for nature and for all living things on this planet through my carvings, he said. Also, a reminder of the inspiration provided by a single tree.

Brookens said that in addition to tree mirrors, he also carves pieces for quilt racks and furniture.

The woods that he mostly works with are the nature woods which are oak, walnut and cherry.

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He said he uses a variety of hand and power tools to carve his works, which are mostly made of oak, walnut and cherry.

I use a lot of sandpaper in my carvings, he said. About 80 percent of my time is spent sandpapering to give them a smooth look.

Brookens said his carvings are also on display at the Paducah Museum, Rend Lake Arts and Crafts fair and at various craft fairs throughout the summer around the region.

Brookens’ carvings are on display for free from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, until Dec. 15 at the Small Business Incubator, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Rd.