Art / News
Turning fallen trees into amazing works of art
If you have walked or cycled through Stoke Park recently, you may have spotted a buzzard, badgers and bats that have been intricately carved out of fallen trees.
There are also a few giant conkers, and even a fairy castle with mushrooms and a dragon.
They are all the work of Andy O’Neill, a chainsaw artist from Yate who has combined his two previous careers as a graphic designer and tree surgeon for this unique works of art.
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Like all the designs, the buzzard was inspired by birds and animals that can be spotted in Stoke Park
This nocturnal scene features bats, an owl and the Moon
Each carving takes Andy around three weeks to complete. He is currently midway through the fantasy sculpture which was inspired by drawings by children from nearby Stoke Park Primary School.
The majority of the work is done with a chainsaw. Then Andy uses a variety of sanding tools and a Dremel multi-tool to do fine details like eyes, and to remove any splinters.
The intricate sculptures are then oiled with Danish oil to protect them from the elements and hopefully enable them to last for years to come.
A mythical castle with its own dragon is nearing completion
Andy is due to be working in Stoke Park until November, with sculptures still to come including a roe deer, a collaboration bench with fellow artist Scott Farlow and five smaller woodland carvings.
So what is Andy’s favourite sculpture so far?
“I’m really pleased with all of the carvings,” he told Bristol24/7.
“However, the conker bench has turned out well. It sits really nicely under an ancient horse chestnut tree and has a beautiful view across Stoke Park.”
This horse chestnut bench close to Hermitage Wood is Andy’s favourite of the sculptures
Using a chainsaw means that there is not much room for error in this particular artform.
“There’s a lot of umming, ahh’ing and chin stroking before I start cutting,” said Andy.
“But sometimes things don’t go according to plan and you just need to adapt, change your plan to accommodate.
“Sometimes a mistake or unexpected piece of rot within the timber can force you to do something different and this can actually work out better in the end.
“The key is not to panic, adapt, and go with the flow of the timber.”
A fox looks out over Stoke Park
A badger is on the other side of the same sculpture
Andy added: “Stoke Park is beautiful. I’ve grown to love it. Everyday I’ve worked there has been a joy.
“Everyone I’ve met there shares a real passion for the place and I’ve been made to feel so welcome by the locals, which I’m truly grateful for.
“It’s allowed me to relax into my work and feel very comfortable with being there.”
One fallen tree has been turned into a meadow-themed bench
All of the sculptures have intricate carvings
There are hidden details to spot on every sculpture
All photos: Martin Booth
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