Wouldn’t it be lovely if you could plan a sculpture and create it exactly as you had in mind every time? Unfortunately, as every chainsaw carver will tell you, that isn’t how things go. Wood is unpredictable, and no matter how great something looks on the outside, it can throw all kinds of surprises once … Read more
These days I’m fortunate that most of the work I do comes from commissions. That is, a client contacts me and I make a sculpture specifically for them. However, sometimes I gain work by submitting a proposal. This is when potential clients invite artists to bid for a project. Artists submit a proposal and when … Read more
One of the perks of my job is undoubtedly the travel. I’ve been fortunate to carve in some stunning places including Canada, the USA, Germany, Italy and most recently, Switzerland. However, it is also a real joy when somebody local commissions a sculpture, and it’s one of those local commissions that I’m sharing in this … Read more
As a chainsaw carver with (ahem) *some* years experience, people often ask me about the tools I use. From time to time I review tools in a blog. For example, THIS ONE about the Stihl MS300i. You might also have seen my MS200 review or the blogs I wrote on my favourite Saburrtooth burrs or … Read more
So, you’re thinking of commissioning a sculpture for your business or community. Financially, it’s a bit of an investment and you’re not too sure. If that’s you, this blog may help. Keep reading for some of my thoughts about ways you can maximise your sculpture’s potential and really help it work for you… ON-BOARD THE … Read more
Things got a bit meta earlier this year when I used chainsaws to create chainsaw sculptures! The sculptures were created for the opening of Contra House (Stihl’s new UK headquarters), and were started in my workshop then finished as part of a live demonstration at the event. It’s the first time I’ve been asked to … Read more
Below you will find a map of sculptures in the UK that we’ve made, that show all of our sculptures that are visible to the public! When you click on a marker it will show you the sculpture and give you the what3words address, as well as any other relevant information, e.g. the website for … Read more
In the last blog I posted I shared the details about my recent exhibition in Cefn Mawr. Despite being a professional artist for over a decade it was actually my first ever solo exhibition! It was an exciting opportunity and we’re thankful it went really well. As with any ‘first’ though, there was a learning … Read more
One of my social media followers recently asked me how I choose the best timber for a sculpture. It’s a really good question, and one I couldn’t answer quickly in comment – so it became a blog! Choosing the right timber is key for a sculpture’s longevity. It doesn’t matter how good a sculpture is … Read more
Can you believe the Stihl MSA 300 is two years old?! I first got to use it at Hillhead show in 2022 where I carved the Abe, the Case Construction mascot. I recorded some of the thoughts I had at the time in a video that you can watch HERE. In July 2023 I was … Read more