Is this yours Mr. Mittelstadt?

When you're known for things that are "perfectly imperfect" and for making chic home decor out of road-side garbage, every once-in-a-while something shows up at your house that even I can't put a name to.  That's what happened earlier this week when after a run, my husband brought home the following.  (See pictured below.)

Immediately I tagged it as art, saving it from the trash, but exactly what it is I'm still not sure of.  A flame?  Something interpretive?  Really, it's a nice piece of wood.

Upon further investigation (turning it over to see if there's a signature...I do watch Antique Roadshow from time to time) I discovered that there is indeed a signature, or rather a name written in pen, non-script handwriting.  The name reads "Richard Mittelstadt."

Of course I googled the man and came up with this: CLICK HERE.  He is indeed an artist, from Minnesota, but he is a watercolor artist and his bio mentions nothing about a discarded career in sculpture.

All I can conclude is that he may have "owned" this piece rather than "created" it.  Also, that there could be another Richard Mittelstadt here in Minnesota that likes to write his name, in kindergarten letters, on the bottom of pieces of wood.  Both equally as possible.

Are you there Richard?  Can you shed some light on this 4ft mystery?