Chainsaw Art - More Than a Lumberjack Pastime

Chainsaw art...need I say more. A compelling, yet fastSculptors' Guild developed. This prompted numerous
growing art, which employs the technology of acountries to follow including the United Kingdom. With
chainsaw, and the ancient style of woodworking.all these new developments, most carvers would
More importantly, this art evolved since the beginningemploy other tools to help glorify their works of art.
in the 1950's, and has now been a prominent, yetInteresting enough, even though other carving tools
fascinating art that's captured the eyes of many.would be used, the chainsaw is still used as the
During the 1980's, chainsaw art started its initiationprimary carving tool.
into the public's eyes respectively. Art Moe, aChainsaw art has no doubt, gained a plethora of
chainsaw artist by reputation; began getting muchintrigued individuals, and notoriety around the world.
exposure and notoriety in the Lumber Jack WorldToday, chainsaw art continues to flourish. While most
Championships. Luckily for Moe, the championship wasof the attention is specifically on the detail, and piece
broadcast nationally, and more and more lumberjacksof the art; new forms have engulfed the attention
began to develop their techniques, styles, andof many. The new form, "quick carving," still employs
admiration for the art. However, chainsaw artthe same rules; however most will perform the same
improved and carved its first break in 1987.art at an amazing rate and quickness. Besides wood,
Roughly between 1985-1987, it wasn't unusual formost chainsaw carvers will use ice and any other
numerous lumberjacks to gather and hold their ownhard substance for quick carving.
carving competitions. While would were clamoring atSince the beginning of the 1950's, chainsaw art has
the possibility of chainsaw art gaining nationaldeveloped, flourished, and continues to baffle
notoriety, it wasn't too far down the spiral road. Inindividuals. It's the sheer excitement and the craft
1987, the many artists got their break. The firstitself, which supersedes the next greatest art. More
World Championship chainsaw carving was held, andimportantly, it's the buildup, the anticipation, and
won by a young 24 year old Barre Pinske.aesthetic appeal that will ultimately carve its place in
While this proved to become a major turning point inhistory.
the art; in 1990 the nonprofit Cascade Chainsaw