Very excited now that the benches have finally been installed by Ground Control and sponsored by Highways England.

I’ve been working on a commission to make 4 oak benches themed around the oak tree itself. The logs come from a local ancient oak tree that had to be felled for safety reasons during a major road reconstruction. The company offered local people the chance to have some artist created benches in their local green spaces to remember the tree.

Taking on the challenge I decided to create one bench depicting ‘flying creatures’ around the oak. The second bench was given over to the ‘bug habitat’ of the oak and the third bench was all about the animals that live on and around the oak.

Upright sleepers were installed ready to create a curved feature wall. (See last picture).

A continuos curve was then cut to create a feature wall and a blank canvas for chainsaw art. The theme of  ‘dandelions’ was chosen by the client and these were then designed at carved with a small chainsaw. 

Finally the finished design is painted and sanded. The dandelions are high up to be visible over curved seating still to be installed.

These little wooden bears are approximately 23cms high are chainsaw carved with minimal power tool detail added. A light burnishing is added to enhance the detail. The bear is then treated with protective wood oil. Available in cedar, oak, larch and a few in redwood, they sit alone or as a business card holder. Each one is individual and completely unique.

They are priced at £30 for a softwood bear (£3 postage) and £35 for a hardwood bear. (£5 postage).

Religious figures so far but hopefully different kinds to come soon.

These are among my favourite carvings to do. The very big ones have to be carved feet first with the log on its side! Once a very large tortoise is upright it is very difficult to turn it over to work on the underside leg detail.