Chainsaw Artist Simon Bogg | How He Carves Giant Sculptures

From Builder to Chainsaw Artist

Simon Bogg spends his days turning timber into life-sized animals. The 53-year-old artist resides in Louth, Lincolnshire, where he creates wooden sculptures using nothing but a chainsaw. Thirty years ago, he began this work as a casual experiment. His mother asked if he could carve a mushroom. He took her saw and finished the task in a single Sunday afternoon.

That simple request sparked a career shift. One week later, she returned with five new orders for him. He finished those pieces quickly. Then he carved a bear. He brought his work to a local country show and sold every item he had. He has worked full-time in the craft for 15 years, moving away from his original career in the building trades.

The Technical Process of Carving

Bogg approaches each block of wood with a direct method. He does not map out his work or create detailed plans. He looks at a source photo to understand the form of the animal and then starts cutting. He removes the excess wood and slowly shapes the remaining timber into horses, badgers, or elephants.

He works in eight-hour shifts that often span three days. He uses imported cedar from the Pyrenees Mountains or salvaged timber from local gardens. His most ambitious project stands 22 feet tall. While he admits the job carries risks, including heavy vibration and loud noise, he prefers this life to his previous trade. He calls it freedom. Customers pay between $6,800 and $9,500 for his most complex commissions. Smaller items, such as his carved owls, start at $150.

Industry Context and Future Outlook

Chainsaw carving is a niche field that requires a specific mix of physical endurance and technical skill. Practitioners must manage the weight of the tools, which causes back and wrist strain over time. The practice has grown in popularity as demand for custom garden art has increased across the United Kingdom. Bogg notes that people often ask him when he will get a proper job. He ignores them.

He keeps his focus on the work that others label as impossible. He is currently working on new large-scale commissions. As he continues, he notes the physical toll the work takes on his body. He accepts the trade-off. For now, he remains in his workshop, turning logs into wildlife. His work demonstrates how a self-taught approach can lead to a sustainable creative career.