STONE

• The focal point is an actual stone used to sharpen countless axes in its history.
• Smooth to the touch but coarse by nature, the stone serves as the visual reminder of the necessity to FINISH the task at hand.
• The stone is mounted with an ability to be spun by the touch of a hand, reaffirming the connection to the act of honing an axe.

WOOD

• Gathered from the iconic Ponderosa Pine forest that surrounds Flagstaff, the wood base provides strength and durability.
• Each wooden base was hand selected, treated and finished to preserve the smallest of details.
• On the featured Honing Stone, a black stripe runs vertically down the base illustrating the storied history of the tree being struck by lightning long ago.

STEEL

• The Honing Stone features two different types of steel - wagon wheel and Damascus steel.
• Pulled from the wagons used to haul out felled pine trees, wagon wheel steel adorns both the top and bottom of the wooden base.
• Damascus steel is used to create unique, detailed textures simulating wood grain all the while providing a resilient and enduring steel axe head and handle.

INSPIRATION

• The concept for this new tradition began with a challenge from a former student-athlete and proud Lumberjack alumnus to have the NAU Athletic Department create a tangible symbol of the FINISH motto that will be intertwined with the overall messaging and branding of the new Student-Athlete High Performance Center and live on for generations to come.
• The Honing Stone is a direct tie to historic Lumberjack culture, with the stone being the instrument used to sharpen one's axe, just as our student-athletes will continuously hone and sharpen their academic and athletic preparations.
• Combining all elements of wood, stone, and steel, the Honing Stone is the perfect combination to depict the Lumberjack spirit and Northern Arizona pride.

 


THE ARTIST
Joshua Meyer is an active and local Flagstaff artist who specializes in Sculpture, Ink and Blacksmithing. Working with the elements of stone, steel, fire, wood and water, he loves the creative process of partnering with nature and discarded objects to accentuate the beauty that already exists. With a goal to re-inspire courage through art and experiences, he thrives on sharing his passion with others!
 
Incorporating the feedback and vision of student-athletes, coaches, departmental alumni and community supports, Josh diligently hand-crafted the Honing Stone to truly be a one-of-a-kind tradition for generations of Lumberjacks. Click this link to visit Josh's website - https://www.joshuameyerart.com/Home