Simon O’Rourke
@treecarving.bsky.social
Sculptor, illustrator, based in North Wales
Creator of the viral Giant Hand sculpture
https://linktr.ee/treecarving
Creator of the viral Giant Hand sculpture
https://linktr.ee/treecarving
Pinned
Simon O’Rourke
@treecarving.bsky.social
· Nov 19
Good morning bluesky! Introduction post… I’m a large scale wood sculptor (the sculptures are large, not me)
October 24, 2025 at 3:31 PM
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-...
There's also video at the end for those who prefer that.
Fellow carvers, what would you add?
treecarving.co.uk/getting-the-...
September 26, 2025 at 4:25 AM
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-...
There's also video at the end for those who prefer that.
Fellow carvers, what would you add?
treecarving.co.uk/getting-the-...
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
#tooltalk #chainsawcarving #sculpture #workinprogress #stihlgb #stihlsaws #stihllife #powertools
September 25, 2025 at 9:42 AM
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
#tooltalk #chainsawcarving #sculpture #workinprogress #stihlgb #stihlsaws #stihllife #powertools
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
Which #LOTR character would you comission?
#sculpture #chainsawcarving #dreamgarden #fanart #tolkien #hobbit #fantasy
September 22, 2025 at 12:31 PM
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
Which #LOTR character would you comission?
#sculpture #chainsawcarving #dreamgarden #fanart #tolkien #hobbit #fantasy
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.
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.
September 17, 2025 at 2:05 PM
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.
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.
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
Guesses in the comments...
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #oak #workinprogress #TuesdayTeaser
September 16, 2025 at 7:15 PM
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
Guesses in the comments...
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #oak #workinprogress #TuesdayTeaser
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...
There's something for all ages, and you'll even find me there doing a chainsaw carving demo...
September 15, 2025 at 5:54 PM
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...
There's something for all ages, and you'll even find me there doing a chainsaw carving demo...
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
Come out and see us
Sweeney Hotel, Oswestry
Sunday 14th September
10am - 5pm
September 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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
Come out and see us
Sweeney Hotel, Oswestry
Sunday 14th September
10am - 5pm
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"
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"
September 12, 2025 at 3:11 PM
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"
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"
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
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
September 11, 2025 at 5:55 PM
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
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
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.
September 9, 2025 at 7:12 PM
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.
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...
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...
September 8, 2025 at 3:16 PM
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...
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...
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
#sculpture #chainsawcarving #dreamgarden #gardeninspo #ent #fantasy #mythology
September 6, 2025 at 3:47 PM
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
#sculpture #chainsawcarving #dreamgarden #gardeninspo #ent #fantasy #mythology
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
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
September 4, 2025 at 8:03 AM
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
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
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
www.unbeatableeva.co.uk
September 3, 2025 at 4:28 PM
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
www.unbeatableeva.co.uk
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
👀 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
September 2, 2025 at 12:12 PM
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
👀 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
Some photos my client sent me of the #GreenMan sculpture he commissioned as an #AnniversaryGift for his wife.
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #treefolk #mythology #gardeninspo #dreamgarden
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #treefolk #mythology #gardeninspo #dreamgarden
September 1, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Some photos my client sent me of the #GreenMan sculpture he commissioned as an #AnniversaryGift for his wife.
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #treefolk #mythology #gardeninspo #dreamgarden
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #treefolk #mythology #gardeninspo #dreamgarden
A bit of creative planning yesterday to end a busy week...
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #humanform #workinprogress #stihlsaws #stihlgb #stihllife
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #humanform #workinprogress #stihlsaws #stihlgb #stihllife
August 30, 2025 at 4:29 PM
A bit of creative planning yesterday to end a busy week...
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #humanform #workinprogress #stihlsaws #stihlgb #stihllife
#chainsawcarving #sculpture #humanform #workinprogress #stihlsaws #stihlgb #stihllife
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
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
August 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
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
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
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
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
August 28, 2025 at 8:02 PM
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
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
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-...
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-...
August 27, 2025 at 8:18 PM
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-...
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-...
My app tells me it's #NationalDogDay!
I'll do a dog compilation later in the week, but for now, here's me refining a #sculpture I made of a #Weimeraner , a breed known for its intelligence, high energy, and hunting.
Do you have a favourite dog breed? Let me know in the comments!
I'll do a dog compilation later in the week, but for now, here's me refining a #sculpture I made of a #Weimeraner , a breed known for its intelligence, high energy, and hunting.
Do you have a favourite dog breed? Let me know in the comments!
August 26, 2025 at 7:32 PM
My app tells me it's #NationalDogDay!
I'll do a dog compilation later in the week, but for now, here's me refining a #sculpture I made of a #Weimeraner , a breed known for its intelligence, high energy, and hunting.
Do you have a favourite dog breed? Let me know in the comments!
I'll do a dog compilation later in the week, but for now, here's me refining a #sculpture I made of a #Weimeraner , a breed known for its intelligence, high energy, and hunting.
Do you have a favourite dog breed? Let me know in the comments!
Sharing my #PolarBear sculpture because this week one of the team told us she couldn't work out the lyrics to "Golden", and keeps hearing "I'm done hiding, now I'm shining like a polar bear" 🤣🤣🤣
Have you got any funny #MisheardLyrics ? Let me know in the comments!
#chainsawcarving #golden #stihlgb
Have you got any funny #MisheardLyrics ? Let me know in the comments!
#chainsawcarving #golden #stihlgb
August 25, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Sharing my #PolarBear sculpture because this week one of the team told us she couldn't work out the lyrics to "Golden", and keeps hearing "I'm done hiding, now I'm shining like a polar bear" 🤣🤣🤣
Have you got any funny #MisheardLyrics ? Let me know in the comments!
#chainsawcarving #golden #stihlgb
Have you got any funny #MisheardLyrics ? Let me know in the comments!
#chainsawcarving #golden #stihlgb
#NationalToothFairyDay!
Whilst I haven't specifically made a tooth fairy, I have carved plenty of other fairies. I always research my subjects and I find it interesting how images and descriptions of fairies have changed over time.
Find out more in my blog ...
treecarving.co.uk/fairies-in-a...
Whilst I haven't specifically made a tooth fairy, I have carved plenty of other fairies. I always research my subjects and I find it interesting how images and descriptions of fairies have changed over time.
Find out more in my blog ...
treecarving.co.uk/fairies-in-a...
Fairies in Art & Culture Throughout Time - Simon O'Rourke
As an artist I'm fascinated by the subjects I carve. Join me in this blog exploring the history of fairies in art and culture.
treecarving.co.uk
August 22, 2025 at 4:45 PM
#NationalToothFairyDay!
Whilst I haven't specifically made a tooth fairy, I have carved plenty of other fairies. I always research my subjects and I find it interesting how images and descriptions of fairies have changed over time.
Find out more in my blog ...
treecarving.co.uk/fairies-in-a...
Whilst I haven't specifically made a tooth fairy, I have carved plenty of other fairies. I always research my subjects and I find it interesting how images and descriptions of fairies have changed over time.
Find out more in my blog ...
treecarving.co.uk/fairies-in-a...
It's #WorldSeniorCitizensDay so I'm sharing this video documenting the process & story behind a sculpture made in memory of a beloved Grandfather.
It's 12 minutes, so if you're just having a quick scroll, click now and add to your watch list for later.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsp-...
It's 12 minutes, so if you're just having a quick scroll, click now and add to your watch list for later.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsp-...
Grandfather Sculpture
YouTube video by Simon O'Rourke
www.youtube.com
August 21, 2025 at 3:53 PM
It's #WorldSeniorCitizensDay so I'm sharing this video documenting the process & story behind a sculpture made in memory of a beloved Grandfather.
It's 12 minutes, so if you're just having a quick scroll, click now and add to your watch list for later.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsp-...
It's 12 minutes, so if you're just having a quick scroll, click now and add to your watch list for later.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsp-...