Look Mom! I'm a Chainsaw Wood Carver!
January 22, 2012
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For anyone that knows me, they know there's not much that could get me out of bed early on a Saturday morning, to go 'play' outside in 6 degree weather. But, the thought of being able to watch art unfold in front of my eyes was irresistible.
Being able to watch it while the artist wields a Husqvarna chainsaw, just put the opportunity over the top.
Tom Gillman, local Bay Cityan, may be a Criminal Justice Coordinator at Delta College on his 'day job', but in his spare time he is nothing less than artist extraordinaire.
As I followed in my car behind him, out into a remote part of Bangor Township to his father's property nestled up against Tobico Marsh, I already felt like I was leaving the cares of the world behind.
When we arrived at our destination and I surveyed the area Tom calls his, "place of solitude", in spite of the frigid temperatures that day, I can understand where he came up with this and why he feels inspired there.
"I come here any chance I get on weekends in winter", said Tom. "Summer is great though, because of the extra daylight at the end of a work day. It gives me more time."
Stacks of wood awaiting transformation, encompassed a wide area of Tom's 'workshop'. As he picked out a piece to begin his magic on, I asked him how he got started in this. Being artistic is one thing, being artistic with a chainsaw is a whole other level.
He said he began at an early age, hand carving duck decoys out of cedar, for a duck hunting family member and it just progressed from there.
The competition he attended at Horizon's Center in Saginaw, MI piqued his interest and he said the thought crossed his mind, "Well, I can do that."
His first year on the chainsaw wood-carving scene, he entered a competition which earned him 3rd place. Since then he has been been busy honing his craft.
Tom has done a variety of commissioned work all around Michigan, ranging from a 'Crazy Horse' rendition in Central Lake, to a 200lb 'cheeseburger' in Caseville, to tiny button carvings made from toga nut.
He's even done a rather large Buddha, that he would've done even bigger, "but it would've needed a crane to move it". He went on to say, "But the customer was happy and that's what counts".
Although he particularly likes carving birds, because of the intricacy of the feathers, customer satisfaction is very important to him.
He said several times, "I know what I like, or what I'm capable of doing, but when someone has me come do work for them, I try to come up with what they are asking for. They are the ones that have to live with it."
Just a little more off the top, please!
The wood totem tiki in the foreground is just another example of Tom's diversity of artistic skills.
Tom checks the progress of his work.
Tom stands next to his nearly completed bear.
When carving, Tom indicated that while oak looks nice, it is hard to work on. "Cedar and white pine are easiest", Tom then commented that Honey Locust tree is the hardest he's ever worked on, "That tree is like working on concrete!", he laughed.
Quite a few folks who have had trees hit by lightning, or have a sentimental attachment to a tree that they've had to cut down for one reason or another, are popular customers for Tom.
He has recommendations for those to use a log oil treatment or color stain twice the first year and then again once a year, for the following years. "You want to keep the bugs out", he advised.
I try my hand on a carving of a mushroom.
Initially, I watched as Tom carved out the bear, one he did rather quickly so I could see it transform out of just a piece of log. It was really an amazing process to see. He makes it look effortless.
Let me assure you, it is NOT.
Although I was rather surprised he would actually hand me a $500 saw and the very expensive tool of his trade, so I too could get a feel of working with wood, he did.
After getting a carving of a mushroom started for me and showing me what he wanted me to do, I was ready. With a few safety instructions, then advising I tuck my scarf into my jacket (good idea for obvious reasons), I gave it a shot.
What surprised me was the gentle hand that's actually required when the saw hits the wood. A lot of it is knowing and feeling the subtle angles required. Moving the chainsaw at just the right time, as well as having the correct speed on the gas, is also crucial as to how the artwork turns out.
I can only imagine how weary one's hands and arms must get while working a long period time on a carving. After just a few short minutes, I felt my arm start to tire.
Tom was kind enough to finish the mushroom for me and send it with me as a souvenir of our morning. When he handed it to me I asked, "Where are the spots I carved out?" and then immediately responded, "Oh, there they are", as it obvious which were my attempts versus his expertise.
One mushroom carving done!
The 'workshop' is nothing more than one of Mother Nature's offerings.
To contact Tom, he can be emailed at:
tgillman49@gmail.com
Tom periodically has some of his work on Ebay, under heading of 'Rustic designs and carvings', his Ebay name is 1Releaoder. At this printing he does not have any on the site.
He can be found on the website:
www.chainsawsculptors.com
He is also active with the Tri City Woodcarvers Club.
Tom will also be making an appearance with his wood carving skills at the Saginaw Children's Museum on Feb. 25th, 2011 from Noon-4pm, for their 'Artic Zoo Fest'. One of his carvings currently graces the entrance of the museum.
There are many pieces around Bay City that he has done and the greater portion of the cravings at Old Town Gym in Bay City, were done by Tom.
Below are just a fraction of some of his amazing creations!
Tom is very skilled at 'faces'. His portfolio of this type work he has done is incredible.
Wood parrot overlooks a boater's slip at marina.
This 11 ft lighthouse stands at the mouth of the Saginaw River.
The lighthouse, pictured above, is one of Tom's largest carvings. This creation made from a cottonwood tree on the owners property, took 4 full days from from 10am-10pm just to carve it out, another entire day of carving in the intricate 'bricks'.
The wood skull above is another unique creation, made on the request for a Halloween themed decoration.
This 9ft piece of art is beautiful and showcases Tom's intricate carving skills.
The bear in a canoe is not only amusing, but amazing!
This wooden German Shepherd with badge piece, which Tom carved as a K-9 tribute for a member of police enforcement in Buena Vista, MI, is beyond astounding.
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cyant Says:
On June 30, 2015
at 02:38 PM
My father and I thought this would be a good project. We have a tree in decent health, but it endangered the house. Please email me to see photos. It is huge. We would like to turn it into a peace sign or whatever? Please help.
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Diane Szczepanski |
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