Simon O’Rourke
@treecarving.bsky.social
46 followers 31 following 180 posts
Sculptor, illustrator, based in North Wales Creator of the viral Giant Hand sculpture https://linktr.ee/treecarving
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treecarving.bsky.social
Good morning bluesky! Introduction post… I’m a large scale wood sculptor (the sculptures are large, not me)
treecarving.bsky.social
Posting about the chainsaw bar in yesterday's video reminded me of this blog with some of my tips for getting the most from your chainsaw bar.
There's also video at the end for those who prefer that.
Fellow carvers, what would you add?
treecarving.co.uk/getting-the-...
treecarving.bsky.social
Once I've blocked out a sculpture, the STIHL MSA200 battery saw is brilliant for refining the shape and adding detail like fur. I'm using it here with their 043 (1.1mm) gauge 12” (30cm) carving bar.

#tooltalk #chainsawcarving #sculpture #workinprogress #stihlgb #stihlsaws #stihllife #powertools
treecarving.bsky.social
Couldn't let #NationalHobbitDay pass without re-sharing this #Frodo sculpture (me) and Hobbit door (Paul Ed Sculpts ) installed earlier this year.

Which #LOTR character would you comission?

#sculpture #chainsawcarving #dreamgarden #fanart #tolkien #hobbit #fantasy
treecarving.bsky.social
I've been into gaming for a LONG time, and love the Final Fantasy franchise. The Buster Sword is iconic too, so it was a great subject.

Turning it into a Christmas tree is perhaps a little off the wall, but I like it!

#chainsawcarving #sculpture #finalfantasy #stihlgb #christmastree #stihlsaws
treecarving.bsky.social
On Friday I asked if you could guess the video game this sword was from. A few of you guessed correctly - well done! It's the Buster Sword from Final Fantasy VII.
Paul and I were lucky enough to work on this commission in 2022 to celebrate the launch of the action-packed prequel to FF VII.
treecarving.bsky.social
A little teaser for something I'll be working on for the next couple of days.
Guesses in the comments...

#chainsawcarving #sculpture #oak #workinprogress #TuesdayTeaser
treecarving.bsky.social
If you're within travelling distance of Cefn Mawr, get 28th September in your diaries!
There's something for all ages, and you'll even find me there doing a chainsaw carving demo...
treecarving.bsky.social
At @sweeneyhotel with @alfiebradleyart and @blacksculpt getting ready for tomorrow's exhibition.

Come out and see us

Sweeney Hotel, Oswestry
Sunday 14th September
10am - 5pm
treecarving.bsky.social
Can you guess the video game franchise?

Today is #NationalVideoGamesDay and this Christmas tree was based on a weapon from a well known franchise. Do you know which one it is?

Need a hint?

"A large broadsword that has inherited the hopes of those who fight"
treecarving.bsky.social
A longer look at the relief carved dancer featured in my reel yesterday.
I love the subtle colour from @barrettineproducts wood preserver that enhances the sculpture and protects at the same time.

#chainsawcarving #woodcarving #sculpture #dancer #ballet #barrettine #stihlgb #stihllife
treecarving.bsky.social
If you liked this collaboration, you can also see Alfie and I exhibit together (along with @blacksculpt ) this Sunday at Sweeney Hall, Oswestry, 10am - 5pm
treecarving.bsky.social
The gate has multiple elements from the Armstrong-Jones family crest meaning it's truly unique and perfect for the setting.

#chainsawcarving #sculpture #bespokegate #gates #stag #mixedmedia
treecarving.bsky.social
I had the commission from the Plas Dinas estate to create a new gate leading to a footpath, and I saw this as an opportunity to collaborate with Alfie Bradley. We used Cedar to create the fencing and gate (credit to Paul Edwards for the gate and fleur de lys), and made space for Alfie’s artwork.
treecarving.bsky.social
Have you signed up for this yet? It promises to be an interesting conversation listening to a range of perspectives on AI in art.

WU Enhancing Entrepreneurship are allocating spaces on a first come, first served basis, so fill out your form to guarantee your spot!

forms.office.com/pages/respon...
treecarving.bsky.social
Earlier this week I shared a #GreenMan sculpture commissioned as an anniversary gift. I love a good "treefolk" sculpture so I thought I'd share some I've made in the past including my Oak Father and Daughter and an Ent.

#sculpture #chainsawcarving #dreamgarden #gardeninspo #ent #fantasy #mythology
treecarving.bsky.social
AI: total slop or the future of art?

Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, this session is a chance to be inspired, challenged, and heard.

Event Details:
Date: 30/09/2025
Location: Wrexham University, School of Art
Time: 12pm-2pm
treecarving.bsky.social
What an honour to make this bench in memory of Eva. Her family wanted a place they - and the community that supported them - could visit, rest, think, reflect, and remember Eva. This bench will hopefully, be just that place for many.

www.unbeatableeva.co.uk
treecarving.bsky.social
We’re taking over The Sweeney Hall, Oswestry with a one-day-only explosion of creativity.

👀 Art to make you stop and stare.
😂 Conversations you didn’t expect at an art show.
🥂 Good vibes, good people, & a glass of something bubbly.

📅 Sunday, 14th September | 10am –5 pm
📍 The Sweeney Hall, Oswestry
treecarving.bsky.social
Some photos my client sent me of the #GreenMan sculpture he commissioned as an #AnniversaryGift for his wife.

#chainsawcarving #sculpture #treefolk #mythology #gardeninspo #dreamgarden
treecarving.bsky.social
A bit of creative planning yesterday to end a busy week...

#chainsawcarving #sculpture #humanform #workinprogress #stihlsaws #stihlgb #stihllife
treecarving.bsky.social
It's #NationalSportsDay in a few countries around the globe so for the occasion, here are a few sporting sculptures I've made.
I realised I haven't had many sports commissions. Which sportsperson or sport would you like to see me make?
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #sports #senna #soccer #f1 #cricket
treecarving.bsky.social
A few sneaky stills from Sculpting Tranquility documentary showing me (and Paul) at work on a 5m fire-breathing dragon.

You can get a link to watch the 20 minute version of the documentary (the only way to see the finished dragon!) by donating your £5 at www.treecarving.co.uk/film-project
treecarving.bsky.social
Taking a moment on #InternationalLotteryDay to share my carriage driver sculpture at Lews Castle.
The commission was partly funded by their community lottery - a great way of generating funds for a sculpture in your community!

Full story behind this sculpture at treecarving.co.uk/lews-castle-...