Art of Chainsaw Carving

By Greg Shields

Most people think of a chainsaw as a tool for cutting limbs and trees, but artists have been using them to create sculpture for years. Today, carvers use chainsaws to sculpt everything from garden decorations to furniture and priceless works of art. This new book takes a look at the talented artists who pioneered the art form as well as contemporary carvers who are forging new ground. Whether you’ve been thinking about getting involved in chainsaw carving or prefer to admire the work from a safe distance, the sculptures will leave you wondering “how did they do that with a chainsaw?”

Author Jessie Groeschen, nicking off a burr on Sun Chasing the Moon. Western red cedar, 6' tall x 3' wide, 2001. The artist says that this piece is one of her personal favorites. “This piece is about romance—the male sun, in love with the female moon. Below them their child, Earth, and everything on it, looks up to their parents in the sky.” Photo courtesy Bill Bailey

Glenn Greensides is dwarfed by this 16' grizzly bear he carved at the Pacific National Exhibition

Steve Blanchard perched on a bench with Grandma. This piece was carved at the Monterey Fair in Monterey, California, in 1995.

Slugger by Pat McVay, made up of a baseball mitt, 7' tall x 4' wide; a ball in driftwood stain, 3' in diameter; and a bat, 12' long x 21⁄2' wide. Each was carved in western red cedar in 2003.

Further Reading Art of Chainsaw Carving by Jessie Groeschen This article represents a small sampling of the artists and work featured in the new book Art of Chainsaw Carving. Inside you’ll find a comprehensive introduction to the leading chainsaw artists practicing today—including an overview of the art form and a detailed recounting of the advent and growth of chainsaw carving in the United States. You can even try your hand at chainsaw carving with a step-by-step demonstration on carving a chair! Available for $19.95 plus $3.50 S&H (parcel post) from: Fox Chapel Publishing 1970 Broad St., East Petersburg, PA 17520 Phone: 800-457-9112 FAX: 888-369-2885 www.FoxChapelPublishing.com Or check your local supply store.

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