Simple Practices to Help you Stay Healthy as a Chainsaw Carver

I think we all know that every career comes with its benefits and struggles. Creating sculptures with chainsaws is no different! I’ve found it’s important to be intentional about taking care of my health as a carver. This is for both my immediate wellbeing and comfort, but also for longevity. A couple of recent health-related … Read more

Helpful Tips for Constructing Large Sculptures: A Step by Step Guide to Flat Joints

I’m back with another of my Tips & Tricks Blogs with some (hopefully!) useful tips for fellow sculptors! Hopefully others find it interesting too though! I’ve recently completed a large dragon sculpture that needed several pieces adding on. I thought I’d walk you through that process and share some tips for constructing large sculptures. I … Read more

How to Create Texture on a Sculpture: Six Examples for Chainsaw Carvers

People often ask why I don’t use any kind of colour or finish on my sculptures (I explain that a bit here). I’m also often asked how I create certain effects on my sculptures. If you’ve ever wondered about either (or both!) of these things, this is the blog for you! Keep reading for some … Read more

Getting the Best From Your Chainsaw Bar

Over the years I’ve tried lots of different chainsaw bars. Sugihara. Husqvarna. Stihl. And more! I found some brands have a bad reputation and are often avoided – including Sithl. However, I’ve had a Stihl bar that lasted four years! What I’ve discovered is that when it comes to chainsaw bars, it isn’t so much … Read more

The Importance of Lighting for Chainsaw Carving Sculpture.

Simon O'Rourke sculpting with a chainsaw and a strong light to his side.

This week’s blog has something for both carver and client. Whether creating or viewing work can be transformed completely by light. With that in mind, Simon shares some thoughts on the importance of lighting for chainsaw carving sculpture.     Light and Dark Art Before we talk about the importance of lighting for chainsaw carving … Read more

Carving Bar Maintenance for Chainsaw Carvers

stihl chainsaw with standard bar in front of a fallen tree carved into a dragon by simon o'rourke

Simon is going to be making a series of videos and blogs to share maintenance tips with other chainsaw carvers. We kick that series off this week with this blog about carving bar maintenance for chainsaw carvers… What Is a Chainsaw Bar? For readers who aren’t regular chainsaw users, the bar has the vital job … Read more

Robin Memorial Bench

close up of a pair of robins carved into a cedar bench.

COntacSimon often receives commissions for memorial sculptures. One of his most popular sculptures last year was a beautiful memorial for a young lady named Robyn. Recently he received a commission for another robin-themed memorial, this time a robin memorial bench…   Robin Memorial Bench: The Brief Simon’s brief for this commission was to create a … Read more