Artist Jay Perrin first discovered his talent for creating intricate wooden figures with a chainsaw a decade ago. At the 2018 Powell River Logger Sports, the machine operator at Olympic Log Sort won first place in both the carving competition and the people’s choice award. On Thursday, July 11, Perrin will join a dozen international competitors in this year’s logger sports carving competition. The contest runs until noon Sunday when the artistic work will be judged. Spectators are welcome to come watch the carved creations unfold at Willingdon Beach.
Can you describe what you do, the type of art you create?
I do chainsaw carving but also use lots of other tools: sanders, grinders and dremels. My work is very nature related.
How and when did you first get into it?
I first got into chainsaw carving when my wife Leah bought me my first carving saw over 10 years ago. I tried it for a short while, and once logger sports started back up and they incorporated the carving contest into it, I was hooked.
What is the process involved in creating your art?
Creating my art is kind of “fly by the seat of my pants.” I get an idea or people explain to me what they would like and I just start carving. Once in a while I will draw something first, but typically it is all in my head.
What else do you do for fun or work?
I have two boys Gavin, who is eight, and Reid, who is four. In our free time we go hiking, fishing and dirt biking. Typical outdoor fun.
Where can people find your work?
My work can be found on Facebook:@barandchain and instagram:@bar_and_chain.
Perrin’s work will also be on display starting Thursday, July 11, beginning at 9 am at Willingdon Beach when the international contingent of chainsaw carvers begin their competition. On Sunday at noon their completed work will be judged.
