I picked up my first chainsaw when I was seventeen, helping my father clear storm-damaged trees from our property in the foothills. Somewhere in that mess of fallen timber, I noticed a shape in a broken trunk—the curve of a bear's back, maybe, or just my imagination. I started carving that afternoon with no plan, just curiosity.

That was over twenty years ago. Since then, I've carved hundreds of pieces—bears, eagles, wolves, custom signs, abstract sculptures, and things I still don't have names for. Each one taught me something about the wood, the tools, and what's possible when you commit to seeing a piece through.

I work primarily with Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Pine—woods that grow in the forests around my home and workshop. I source logs locally whenever possible, often from trees that have fallen naturally or been removed for safety reasons. There's something right about giving that wood a second life.

My process starts with the chainsaw for rough shaping, then moves to smaller saws, grinders, and hand tools for detail. I don't use patterns or molds. Every piece is carved freehand, which means no two are exactly alike—even when I'm creating similar subjects. The wood itself has a say in how things turn out.

I take on a limited number of commissions each year. This isn't about exclusivity; it's about giving each piece the time and attention it deserves. When you commission a carving from me, you're getting something made specifically for you, with your vision guiding the work from start to finish.

— [Artist Name]

The Process

01

Conversation

We start with your idea. You tell me what you're envisioning—the subject, the size, where it will live, what it means to you. I ask questions to understand the full picture.

02

Wood Selection

I select the right log for your piece based on size, grain, and character. Different woods have different personalities—I match the material to the vision.

03

Carving

The work begins. Chainsaw for the major forms, smaller tools for detail, hand finishing for texture and expression. This takes one to four weeks depending on complexity.

04

Finishing

Each piece is sealed and finished to withstand the elements. I use high-quality exterior finishes that protect the wood while letting its natural beauty show through.

Ready to Start?

If you have an idea for a custom piece, I'd like to hear about it. Fill out the inquiry form and I'll be in touch within a few days.

Request a Commission