St. Elmo resident Kris Locke demonstrates how to draw using the charred point of the log he transformed into a giant pencil.When a giant dead tree fell in the yard of St. Elmo resident Kris Locke, he saw it not as a burden, but as an opportunity to use his own creativity to inspire creativity in others.
While he got rid of the majority of the tree, he noticed a 12-foot log of good, usable wood. Locke immediately envisioned the log’s potential to be transformed into a giant pencil.
He carved the wood into the shape of a No. 2 pencil, chiseling one end into a point. Locke then charred the point, allowing the log to function as a working pencil. He demonstrated how people can hold up a piece of paper and draw using the charred end of the log.
Now located in his yard on 44th Street, the 200-pound pencil may soon be moved to St. Elmo Park, he said.
“I want the public to enjoy it,” said Locke. “I would appreciate it if it got used and could go to different places that might want it.”