Chainsaw Craft - Making an Owl Sculpture

Andy Maclachlan of Chainsawcraft makes a sculpture of an Owl behind his house in Rashfield, by Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland.

After nearly 20 years as a chainsaw operator in the forest Andy discovered a natural ability for sculpture and an affinity with the saw as an artists tool.
Born and bred in the hills and forests of Argyll Andy's carvings are mostly inspired by the wildlife around him. More abstract pieces may be a result of the insular world you are drawn into when working with the saw. All sculptures demonstrate artistic depths Andy didn't know existed within himself, before he started to carve in 1999.

Originally based in Ardfern, near Oban, the interest and support generated around this small and artistic community greatly encouraged Andy to develop his talent. Since relocating to Rashfield he has vastly broadened his client base, which has in turn further honed his skills.

Thanks to the area Chainsaw Craft is based in, (and friendly relations with both the Forestry Commission and the local haulage firm!) timber is available from sustainable resources. This is mainly soft wood such as fir, pine and spruce. Hard wood including beech, lime and chestnut is often donated by private estates, local tree surgeons or building contractors.

The largest sculptures Andy has created are usually on location, often when large, mature trees have been storm damaged or are deemed unsafe. Such carvings take days to complete and involve ropes and scaffolding for Andy to use his skills to form what remains of the tree into marvelous sculptures.

Andy was lucky to spend the winter of 2002 in the New Zealand sunshine, where he quickly realised the popularity of chainsaw carving. He took part, and placed highly, in the national carving competition in Awanui, Northland. It was here he had the privilege of carving in swamp Kauri, a timber unearthed in a green condition after up to 50,000 years preserved in the ground. This is a resource unique to New Zealand, and considered a national treasure.

Andy went on to demonstrate at garden centers and wood workshops around the North Island. He had the opportunity to work with a variety of species, of a much larger proportion than that found in Scotland. Andy met many of NZ's top carvers and was introduced to specialist carving bars, which allow for much finer detail.

This is an excerpt from the about me section from my website - ChainsawCraft.com