Simon O’Rourke is a chainsaw carver who has transformed the art of woodcarving with his exceptional skills and imagination. Born in North Wales, UK, Simon developed a love for the outdoors and the natural world from a young age. He pursued his passion for art, studying art and design in college before turning to chainsaw carving as his medium.
Simon has been carving wood for over 15 years and has become an expert in the field. He creates intricate sculptures using a chainsaw and other carving tools to bring his visions to life. He is known for his large-scale carvings, including life-sized sculptures of animals, people, and mythical creatures.
One of Simon’s most impressive creations is a stunning life-sized sculpture of a hand carved from a single piece of wood. The sculpture captures every detail of a human hand, from the wrinkles and creases to the veins and fingernails. The piece is truly remarkable, showcasing Simon’s incredible skill and dedication to his craft.
Simon sources his wood from local forests, ensuring that each piece he carves has a unique story and character. He works with a variety of wood types, including oak, cedar, and sycamore, and carefully selects each piece based on its size, shape, and texture.
Despite the challenges of using a chainsaw, Simon embraces the tool’s unique qualities to create organic shapes and textures that can’t be achieved through traditional sculpting methods. His work is a testament to his talent and creativity, and has been featured in exhibitions and galleries around the world.
Simon is also a beloved figure in the chainsaw carving community, sharing his knowledge and passion with other aspiring carvers through workshops and classes. Through his art and teaching, Simon proves that even the most unconventional tools can be used to create stunning works of beauty and craftsmanship.
The artwork is presently located near Lake Vyrnwy, a reservoir in Powys, Wales, and is open to the public.
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