Using Chainsaw, Skilled Artist Transforms A Damaged Tree Into A Hand Reaching For The Sky

Waterloo-born Simon O'Rourke is an award-winning wood carver who creates imaginative sculptures across the globe. Now based in Wales, Simon is currently in the midst of a four-week project which has brought him back to the Liverpool City Region and it's said to be one of his biggest challenges yet – carving The Beatles from tree trunks. The remnants of the UK's tallest tree, which was felled after being damaged in a storm, has been transformed into a carving of a giant hand. A 15.2m (50ft) stump was the only part left standing after the 124-year-old Douglas Fir was axed at the Lake Vyrnwy estate in Powys in March. It had stood at 63.7m (209ft), taller than a 20-storey building, and was once regarded as the UK's joint highest. From wrist to finger tip, the giant hand measures 2m (7ft). Artist Simon O'Rourke, 33, from Wrexham, used a chainsaw to carve the top of the stump, and modelled the sculpture on his own hand.