Home Photo Gallery Nature And Animals Using Chainsaw, Skilled Artist Transforms A Damaged Tree Into A Hand Reaching For The Sky

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

Almost every material imaginable can be transformed into a work of art, but it would take skill to do so. This chainsaw artist from Wrexham is one of those talented people who can turn wood—his chosen medium—into anything he wants it to be.

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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.