This series of blogs covers the frequently asked questions Simon O’Rourke receives about chainsaw carving, and the how (and why!) of commissioning a sculpture.
One of the questions artists often get asked is ‘Who are your influences?’. Simon is no different as people are curious about his training and inspiration. And so, we thought we would blog about it! Read on to discover some of Simon’s influences as a sculptor. Who are your Influences: Storytelling The first of Simon’s … Read more
Welcome back to our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ series! This week we answer one of Simon’s most commonly asked questions. That is, ‘What is the best wood for a sculpture?’. What is the Best Wood for a Sculpture: Sustainability So, the first thing we want to mention is something more personal and subjective. That is the … Read more
Diary of a chainsaw carver – The ticking clock… No this isn’t about actual clocks, although Simon did create a working longcase clock once!! This is actually about a question Simon is often asked: How will my wood sculpture age? And it’s a very valid question. They say time waits for no man, and it … Read more
How do I commission a sculpture? If you find yourself thinking about commissioning a bespoke wood sculpture, you may be wondering where to start. The first thing is I want to make it as easy as possible for you to commission your own sculpture! So this is how I guide you through that process… How … Read more
Trees contribute massively to a landscape’s value, so it’s important to take care of them. In fact, if you have a tree you suspect may be diseased and need some help, you can read this blog about how to deal with the most common tree diseases. However, sometimes there is nothing that can be done … Read more
Autumn is the perfect time to get out into nature and visit one of Simon’s woodland sculpture trails. The reds and ambers of the leaves are stunning anyway, but they add a perfect touch of art and drama to his sculptures. If you need convincing, why not take a peek in our blogs about his … Read more
Wood or bronze sculpture? Is the longer lasting sculpture a better sculpture? Which one should I choose? Simon is often asked “Why make a sculpture from something that will eventually degrade and return to nature?” In this blog we explore why Simon loves working with wood, and why it might be the choice for you… … Read more
If you regularly read our blog, you’ll know that last week we began writing about the perfect portrait scultpure for you. We feel people sometimes shy away from commissioning a portrait. That can be for lots of different reasons. However, we also know that portraiture is extremely varied. Simon is also able to sculpt in … Read more
There’s an app for that! We often hear that when we need a digital solution. But did you know, when it comes to portraits, Simon’s ‘got a carve for that!’ It’s true! Portraiture has changed a lot over the centuries, and there are lots of different ways to capture and represent a person. Whatever your … Read more
It’s always a joy as an artist, when somebody admires your work, and wants to commission a piece. Simon is no exception! Many of the inquiries we get relate to storm damaged trees, or trees that have been cut back for various reasons. This is great, as Simon loves to bring life and beauty back … Read more