Behind the Barn, an award-winning wildlife wood relief carving by Cape Cod artist Gary Cota depicting a heron and alligator in a marsh

Explore Behind the Barn, an award-winning wildlife wood relief by Cape Cod artist Gary Cota, featuring a heron and alligator in a Louisiana marsh.

Behind the Barn captures one of those quiet moments in nature when not everything is as peaceful as it first appears. A heron stands patiently in the marsh, unaware that an alligator is slowly making its way through the grass. I wanted to remind viewers that nature is filled with hidden stories, where beauty and danger often exist side by side.

This piece won Sponsor's Award at the Treasures of Pointe Coupee.

Artist: Gary Cota
Year: 2022
Medium: Hand-carved wood relief in ash
Dimensions: 22" × 28"
Subject: Wildlife and nature
Award: Sponsor's Award, Treasures of Pointe Coupee
Availability: Available