Subcultural

Chainsaw + Art = Awesome

by Danila

What happens when you combine a rip-roaring fast chainsaw, giant logs, and the majestic art of sculpture? Pure awesome, in the form of chainsaw art. Like the ancient Greeks, who whittled great hunks of marble into perfect statues, chainsaw artists carve down hunks of wood into polished (well, not that polished) pieces of art. Instead of a hammer and chisel, the tool of choice is a chainsaw with a special “carving bar” that’s narrowed at the tip to prevent kickback.

Although this makes the process safer, the art form is still dangerous as hell. After all, the artist is using a tool that could easily slice into flesh at the slightest slip up. Take that, ancient Greeks!

Common themes include bears, more bears, eagles, other animals, Native American-ish totems, and mermaids. Oh and more bears.

So is the artform a subculture, a hobby, or both?

The world of chainsaw carvers is interconnected. Artists don’t simply create their masterpieces in isolation, but compete in regional fairs and carving contests. Information and tips are shared, and there is some sense of shared destiny.

There are even two guilds that strive to bring chainsaw sculptors together, the United Chainsaw Carvers Guild and the Cascade Chainsaw Sculptors Guild. Chainsaw art is as such an experience to be shared, with a community of peers. In its mission statement, the UCCG sums up its identity:

Our purpose is to promote the art of chainsaw carving and serve as an artistic reservoir for the cultural exchange of this art.

So how do people transition into a life of chainsaw art? It might start with a love of the forest, an affinity for sharp dangerous tools, and a moment of inspiration. Something seen at a lumberjack competition, or at a state fair. Then the idea hits: Who knew that the same coarse tool used to take down trees could also create beauty? To make art in a way that joins rugged work with a creative outlet?

Thrill-seekers and artists, daredevils and outdoorsmen, all united with the love of a whirring chainsaw, the smell of gas, the flying wood chips, and a beautiful result. Not to mention fire, since many chainsaw sculptures are finished with a blazing torch.

The craft is young still, with a birthday sometime in the 1950s, when light chainsaws became more readily available. As quick handed-salesmen demonstrated the superiority of their saws at county fairs, the public took note and imaginations sparked. The artform and community around it has since grown by leaps and bounds. It has evolved into an art that is brawny, at times kitschy, and at times spiritual.

And to close, how to carve a chainsaw bear, FAST:

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More resources:
Wikipedia
Cherie Currie, Chainsaw Chick