Chainsaw Artist Creates Tree Sculpture In Shrewsbury

A Shrewsbury resident has given a new lease of life to a dead ash tree in his garden, by commissioning a piece of chainsaw art. Roger Pittaway, who moved to the area in March, thought it was a shame to have the 10ft hollow tree stump cut down, so he asked chainsaw artist Joffrey Watson to create a wildlife collage, the Shropshire Star reports.

The masterpiece features beautiful carved images of foxes, badgers, and birds, and also incorporates some local landmarks, and a miniature portrait of Roger and his dogs. Artist Joffrey, who is known professionally as The Chainsaw Bloke, took three and half days to complete the work.

Roger explained that Shropshire Council had identified that the tree was rotten inside, and needed to be felled for safety reasons. The community-spirited resident is pleased that his neighbours can also benefit from the artwork, which he hopes will raise a smile or two. He commented:

“I felt that as the tree had been growing happily for around 150 years it deserved to live on in some way. Also, everyone has been so welcoming to me since I moved here in March that I wanted to give something back for the community to enjoy, so a sculpture was the ideal thing that hopefully will live on for many more years.”

Joffrey Watson originally qualified as a tree surgeon, but has been working as a full-time chainsaw sculptor for the past six years. He will take part in the European Chainsaw Carving Championships in Alcester next year. He explains that he inherited his artistic side from his mother, who is a graduate of the Royal Academy.

Joffrey began creating wooden sculptures in his spare time and people soon began to make requests for bespoke artwork, enabling him to turn it into a full-time profession.

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