From Bear Cubs to Totem Poles, Chain Saw Art is Going Public

While a chain saw may not be first tool that comes to mind when we think of art, chain saw scultures (both wood and ice) can be breathtaking. Growing in popularity since the 1950s, this art form has expanded far beyond adorable wooden bear cub sculptures and rustic carved signs. Now, artisans produce everything from life-sized dogs, moose, people, and turtles to 20-foot tall totem poles.

The International Appeal of Chain Saw Art

Beyond the United States, chain saw art can be found around the globe in Africa, Australia, Canada, Europe, and Japan. In fact, the first chain saw carving World Championships appeared in 1987.

More recently, the Ridgway Rendezvous has been billed as the largest chain saw carving event in the world. In this Pennsylvanian town, more than 200 international carvers have participated in a weeklong celebration. Their carvings raised tens of thousands of dollars to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the premiere organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Using a Chain Saw with Artistry

Often, chain saws are used to begin the carving process because they can sculpt in a fraction of the time required to carve with mallets and gouges alone. Chain saw blades and chains are now available that have been specifically designed for carving. Chain saw sculptures may be completed with more conventional tools, such as chisels, knives and even other power tools.

The International organization of chain saw carvers at www.uccg.org offers online art galleries, forums, website listings, auctions, and information about exhibits to members.

What You Need to Know Before You Try This at Home

Becoming a skilled chain saw artisan requires instruction and practice, especially in how to safely operate the saw. It’s estimated that more than 40,000 people suffer chain saw injures every year.

Chain saws should have anti-kick back features that should not be removed. Plus, storing chain saws where children or even teenagers could access them is just as dangerous as storing guns and ammunition unsafely.

Personal protection is also important for your eyes, hearing and skin.

By Brad Huber

Yes, you heard it right, Chainsaw Art or Chainsaw Craving Art is a new form of self-expression. For the first it can sound weird, but it is a truly a remarkable and innovative new way to show the world what you can. Artists sculpt from animals, cowboys, totem poles to exterior-interior designs and of course furniture in Rustic style. Mostly without painting or other decorations. From time to time we can see these new sculptures (and sometimes the whole sculpting process) on Art Expos and we can find all over the country if you look at the woodcarvings carefully, especially if you meet with “Smokey the Bear”.

Most sculptors won’t recommend to run and try it out yourself but if you want then you will need a chain saw (you can find lots of on the net for your special need) and of course a piece of wood. It can be almost any kind of woods but professionals prefer Alder, Pine, Ash, Elm, Palm and Redwood. And that’s not all, you need to get a few other things for the whole process: knives, chisels, and sometimes a mallet because some logs must be prepared with bare hands.

Although it’s not an easy art, it's a dirty job, so don’t forget to grab a lot of protectors like facemasks, visors, earplugs and gloves. You must stay alert and focused in any circumstances, learn numerous safety rules and be able to handle your specialized equipments well or else you can severely injure yourself, or even worse.