Clint Bleaney is a chainsaw carver who will be competing in Powell River Logger Sports on Friday, July 15, to Sunday, July 17. The art form combines the modern chainsaw with the ancient art of woodcarving. Born in Port Hardy, BC, Bleaney moved to Powell River in 2005. The 36-year-old has been in the logging industry for his entire life and has had a love for art, particularly woodwork and sketching, throughout his life.
How did you get into chainsaw carving?
We were on a summer shutdown. I was sitting there, wondering what I was going to do to make some money. I had a little topping saw that I thought I’d put to use. I did about three carvings off the bat and I was starting to get somewhere. I just couldn’t stop after that.
Do you remember your first piece?
It was a flying eagle. Just a standard, straight up and down, flying eagle. I gave that one away to the guy who gave me my first two chunks of wood. He said, “Here, carve those.” I have no idea about the first one I ever sold. I give them away to people in the family. I’ve done a lot of donations of carvings for fundraisers. A carving the size of a person would be a couple thousand dollars.
What kind of wood do you use?
I always use cedar. It lasts the longest and it’s softer.
Have you competed in logger sports before?
No. First time.
Do you know what you’re going to carve before starting up the chainsaw?
I never go into anything knowing what I’m going to carve. I just do everything freehand off the top of my head. I just show up with a chainsaw and a jug of gas. That’s it. Those are the only tools I use. I think when I get there, everybody is going to be pulling out trailers with all of their tools and I’ll be the guy showing up with his saw and a gas jug.
For more information, go to rippintimber.com.
