Uncategorized – Page 2 – Chainsaw Sculpture Manitoba

Tree art memorial chainsaw carving

Bear and eagle memorial stump carving — This large tree was given a new life during a very trying time in everyone life, the Covid period . I was ask by a lady who husband past away recently and funerals were not permitted at the time to carve a memorial sculpture . We talked about a design and animals she liked and decided on this with the eagle perched over the bear and vine running up to the top of the 10 foot sculpture. It was one of my favorite stump carving I ever done and miss sitting have lunch with this wonderful person and hear the stories they shared. I tell myself that is why I do this and have the honor to carve a memory for him.
Memorial chainsaw carvings can be a beautiful and meaningful way to commemorate a loved one and preserve their memory for generations to come.

Chainsaw carved eagle bear beaver

Chainsaw carved bear, eagle and beaver — This chainsaw carved bear eagle and beaver stands 7 feet tall and is 30 inch in diameter. Carved out of cotton wood from southern Manitoba in the red river valley, makes nice sculpture wood for chainsaw carving. Everything is carved out of one piece and the challenge was to get the life size beaver carved around the tree at the base. The bears right hand is resting on the tree and left hand couple inches away from tree that has a creeping vine climbing up. This carving is now resides sitting in front of a beautiful custom log home overlooking Lake of the Woods.

Steps to consider doing a stump carving

Carved stump into owl and vine — This tree has died and has been given a new life and meaning, the stump has been chainsaw carved into art with a great horned owl and vine along with lot number.

Consider the theme: Instead of just carving any design, think about a specific theme that relates to your personal interests or the environment where the stump is located. For example, if the stump is in a garden, you could carve a tree or flower motif.
Use natural features: Look for natural features in the stump that can be incorporated into your design. For example, if the stump has an interesting knot or pattern in the wood, you could carve around it to create a unique effect.
Add depth and dimension: Instead of just carving a flat design, try to add depth and dimension by carving into the wood at different levels. This can create a more interesting and dynamic effect.
Experiment with different techniques: There are many different techniques you can use to create different textures and effects in your carving, such as using a burnishing tool to create a shiny surface or using a gouge to create a rougher texture.
Personalize it: Consider adding your initials, a special date, or other personal details to the carving to make it truly unique and meaningful. You could also incorporate elements that relate to your family or cultural heritage.

By incorporating these tips and your own creative ideas, you can make your stump carving truly original and one-of-a-kind.

The art of chainsaw carving

The art of chainsaw carving is a truly unique and fascinating form of sculpting that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. Combining the raw power and versatility of a chainsaw with the delicacy and precision of artistic expression, chainsaw carving is a highly skilled and specialized craft that requires a rare blend of technical expertise and creative vision.

The process of chainsaw carving begins with the careful selection of the right type of wood. Softwoods such as pine or cedar are often preferred for their relatively low density and ease of carving. Once the wood is chosen, the carver will use a chainsaw to rough out the initial shape of the design, paying close attention to the balance and proportion of the piece.

As the carving progresses, the carver will switch to smaller chainsaws and specialized carving attachments to add intricate details and refine the overall shape and texture of the piece. This process requires a deep understanding of the unique properties of the wood being carved, as well as a keen eye for design and a mastery of the tools and techniques of the trade.

The finished piece is then sanded and finished with a variety of paints, varnishes, and other finishes to ensure its longevity and beauty. Throughout the process, chainsaw carvers must always be mindful of safety, taking care to wear appropriate protective gear and follow strict protocols to prevent accidents.

Despite its inherent risks and challenges, chainsaw carving is a deeply rewarding and fulfilling art form, with the potential to create works of breathtaking beauty and emotional resonance. Whether on display in a museum or gallery or gracing a public space or private collection, chainsaw carvings are truly one-of-a-kind pieces of art that capture the imagination and inspire awe and wonder in all who encounter them.

Carved beaver heron pelican

Some symbolic figures I love carving, this giant block of cottonwood was for a nice canvas. Long carving bars work great removing wood fast and easier to block out your figures, I chalk out roughly where I want them and once you get the unnecessary wood removed things become clearer. Beavers pelicans and herons are my favorite and love to carve them into one scene , this one I added reflection of a fish below the water. Everything is all carved out of one piece, even the cattails in the back are helping support the heron . Both Heron and pelican are dry brushed with a top coat of varnish protecting the paint.

Carved Heron and Pelican

Carved these herons and pelican from trees that were blown down from storm in Pine Falls golf coarse. Giving new life to trees that once shaded us.

Some facts about pelicans

Chainsaw carved Pelican — Born to fish carving is carved out of 56 inch diameter log and stands just under 4 feet tall. Carved out of a majestic cottonwood was a challenge to fit three life size pelicans with the middle one wings open. Inspired by watching them fly past me on the way to the rapids and to watch them work together to school up minnows. They are fisherman

Pelicans are large water birds with distinctive long bills and a distinctive throat pouch, which they use to catch fish.
There are eight different species of pelicans, which can be found all over the world, from the Americas to Australia and Africa.
Pelicans are expert fishers and are able to catch fish in a variety of ways, including diving from the air or water, scooping fish up in their bills, or dipping their heads underwater.
Pelicans are social birds and often hunt and roost in large groups, known as colonies.
Pelicans have a wingspan of up to 10 feet (3 meters), making them one of the largest flying birds in the world.
The brown pelican, which is found in the Americas, is the only pelican species that dives into the water from the air to catch fish.
Pelicans have been known to eat up to 4 pounds (1.8 kg) of fish in a single day.
Pelicans are known for their unique ability to store fish in their throat pouches, which can hold up to three times the amount of food as their stomachs.
Pelicans are monogamous and will often mate for life, returning to the same nesting site year after year.
Pelicans are sensitive to pollution and habitat destruction and are considered to be an indicator species for the health of wetland ecosystems.

Manitoba gift ideas

Six chainsaw carved bears out of western red cedar

These six bears were carved out of one foot block of western red cedar, detailing took a more precise control. Sometimes the small carving are a the bigger challenges, the one on the left has a hole above the right shoulder where the branch grew through it sometimes adds to the carving. Sometimes imperfections make perfections.

Here are some ideas for incorporating chainsaw carvings into your gift-giving:

Retirement: A chainsaw carving of the retiree’s favorite animal or hobby can be a thoughtful and personalized gift to commemorate their years of hard work. For example, if they love fishing, you could commission a carving of a fish or a fisherman. Alternatively, you could choose a carving that reflects their personality or something they’ve always wanted to do in retirement, such as a carving of a golfer or a travel-themed carving.
Wedding: A chainsaw carving of the couple’s initials or a heart with their names inside can make for a romantic and unique wedding gift. If they have a shared hobby or interest, such as hiking or skiing, you could also consider a carving that incorporates those elements.
Anniversary: Depending on the anniversary milestone, you could choose a carving that reflects the traditional gift for that year.

Here are the general steps to follow if you want to chainsaw carve

Choose the right type of chainsaw: When selecting a chainsaw for carving, you need to consider the size of the chainsaw bar, the power of the engine, and the weight of the saw. For carving, you will need a smaller chainsaw with a shorter bar length, between 12-18 inches. This makes it easier to control and maneuver while working on the intricate details. It’s important to choose the right type of carving bar for your specific needs and the type of wood you’ll be working with.
Select the right type of wood: The type of wood you choose for chainsaw carving is critical to the success of the project. Ideally, you want a softwood like pine, cedar, or spruce, as it’s easier to carve than hardwoods like oak or maple. Softwood also tends to have less resistance, making the chainsaw cut smoother.
Create a design: Before starting to carve, it’s essential to have a clear idea of the design you want to create. You can sketch the design on paper or directly on the wood surface. This will help you to stay focused on the details and avoid making mistakes.
Safety measures: Chainsaw carving can be dangerous, and it’s crucial to take proper safety precautions. Wear protective gear such as ear muffs, eye goggles, gloves, and heavy-duty boots. Make sure you have a clear workspace, and avoid distractions while carving.
Rough shaping: Start by using the chainsaw to remove the excess wood from the surface, creating a rough outline of the design. Use the tip of the chainsaw to create fine details and sharp angles.
Refine the details: Once you have the rough shape of the design, you can start refining the details using smaller chainsaws or other carving tools. Sandpaper or grinding stones can help you smooth out any rough spots and create a polished finish.
Finishing: After completing the carving, you can apply a coat of sealant or wax to protect the wood from weathering and to give it a shiny finish.

With practice and patience, you can create beautiful chainsaw-carved sculptures and artworks. However, it’s essential to start with simple designs and gradually increase the complexity as you gain experience. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with a chainsaw.

Steps to take to finishing your chainsaw carving

Chainsaw carved bear — Seven foot chainsaw carved red cedar bear

Finishing a chainsaw carving is an important step in the process that can greatly enhance the final appearance of your work. Here are some general steps to follow when finishing your chainsaw carving:

Sand your carving: Once you’ve finished carving, use a coarse-grit sandpaper (such as 80-grit) to remove any rough spots, splinters, or chainsaw marks. Then, move to a finer-grit sandpaper (such as 120-grit or higher) to smooth out the surface of the wood.
Apply a wood conditioner: A wood conditioner helps to prepare the wood for stain or other finishes by sealing the pores of the wood and preventing it from absorbing too much finish. Apply the wood conditioner to your carving using a brush or a rag, and allow it to dry for the recommended time.
Apply a finish: There are many different types of finishes that can be used to protect and enhance the appearance of your chainsaw carving, including oil, stain, varnish, and wax. Choose a finish that is appropriate for the type of wood you are using and the look you want to achieve. Apply the finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a brush, rag, or spray can.
Allow the finish to dry: Once you’ve applied the finish, allow it to dry completely before handling or displaying your carving. This may take several hours or even days, depending on the type of finish you used and the temperature and humidity of your work area.

Remember, it’s important to take your time and be patient when finishing your chainsaw carving. Rushing the process or skipping steps can lead to an inferior final product.