A growing artwork within the creative community
This week, at the Ridgway Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous, artists of all kinds will gather to showcase their talents through the unconventional medium of chainsaw-carved art. Visitors can witness diverse perspectives brought to life in wood sculptures. Among them are Ernie Quinn and Amber Long from Derry, PA, adding their unique touch to the event’s creative tapestry.
He mentioned that alongside his wife, Amber Long, who incidentally taught him how to carve with a chainsaw, they have been regular attendees of the Rendezvous since 2009.
Quinn explained that Long began her journey into the world of carving in early 2003, starting with handcrafted bears and fish using knives and hand tools.
He mentioned that in 2005, Long was keen to improve her carving skills. She traveled to Washington to attend the Snoqualmie Chainsaw Carving School, where she learned safe operation, maintenance, and carving techniques using logs. Upon returning to Pennsylvania, she passed on her newfound knowledge to her husband, Quinn, teaching him the art of chainsaw carving. Additionally, she shared her skills with their daughter, sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews.
He explained that inspirations for their carvings often stem from photos or firsthand observations of animals in nature, as well as from special topics relevant to the day.
Quinn explained that the tools essential for carving include various sizes of chainsaws with different bars and chains, along with grinders, sanders, torches, and more. They strive to utilize softer woods, particularly preferring pine due to its ease of carving and the reduced wear it imposes on the power tools.
He expressed that he is gradually becoming more at ease with carving new and innovative ideas, moving beyond the usual repertoire of bears, eagles, and owls.
He added that the Rendezvous is the premier annual event to witness a myriad of chainsaw carvers, not just from Pennsylvania but from across the entire USA, and even some from other countries. He emphasized that attending the seminars and engaging in shop talks with numerous other carvers is always a highlight of attending the event.
Quinn and Long have undertaken the ambitious task of carving several 3/4 size carousel horses and even a Lama. These projects demanded extensive hours of meticulous work, including blocking with chainsaws, grinding, sanding, and painstaking detail work with hand carving tools. They are proud to announce that the Lama will be making the journey to Ridgway and will be prominently displayed.
When asked about his tools, Quinn advised that it’s normal to start with a limited selection of saws and power tools. He emphasized the importance of focusing on just a few items to carve until you become comfortable with the chainsaw and tools. According to him, larger and more detailed projects will naturally come with more practice and experience.
“Chainsaw carvings are becoming more accepted in the art communities. The level of accomplishment and realism in the carvings have become truly an art form,” Quinn pointed out.