Animals carve out special spot near canal
A SERIES of spectacular carvings have started appearing in the Swansea Valley.
The wood sculptures have been created out of trees by the canal path at Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach, and feature a number of native animals including owls, hares and otters, as well as a couple of acorns.
The work is yet to be completed, with the artist behind them, Garry Turler, remaining tight-lipped about what more is to come.
His extraordinary talent is particularly impressive as he is entirely selftaught.
Garry said: “I spent most of my life tool-making but I got fed up with working in a factory. I did some wood carving part-time for a while, but I took it up full-time about three-anda-half years ago. I’m self-taught, but people seem to have liked my work. I’ve had people stopping to talk and take a look, and that’s quite nice.
“I’ve got more carvings planned for the area, but I’m keeping that a surprise for the moment.”
After jacking in his former factory job, Garry started Wildboar Carvings, based at the top of the upper Swansea Valley in the Brecon Beacons National Park, specialising in chainsaw art, wood sculptures and hand carvings.
His latest work is a commission from Swansea Council, but his handiwork can be seen around the region. In 2019 he was responsible for a spectacular wooden sculpture positioned on the approach to Cwmtwrch. The sculpture featured a wooden boar standing on top of a carved ‘Cwmtwrch’ sign – the village name meaning ‘valley of the wild boar’.
The work was done for free as a thank you to the village from where he and his family hail, but sadly the boar was broken off and stolen.
Despite a plea for information and offer of a reward it has never been returned.
“It just disappeared and I don’t suppose we’ll see it again now”, he said. “It’s a shame, but hopefully people will enjoy the work I’m doing now. I hope to have it finished within the week, but it all depends on the weather.”