A chainsaw artist from Newport has showcased his work at one of the globe’s most renowned floral exhibitions.
Chris Wood, a wood sculptor who operates from Newport, crafted a 7m x 3m representation of Mother Nature using a chainsaw for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Mr Wood stated: “I feel incredibly honoured to be part of this project.
“To get an opportunity to showcase just how creative and beautiful carving can be at such a prestigious event is wonderful.
“I’m extremely grateful to Sarah Eberle for this opportunity.”
The artwork comprised the primary sculptural land art element of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) garden, conceived by award-winning designer Sarah Eberle to commemorate the charity’s 100th anniversary.
Ms Eberle stated: “It is such an honour to work with Chris on this project.
“His talent is extraordinary, I am constantly in awe.
“As designers we need to engage and collaborate with artisans who elevate our work above and beyond our expectations.”
Mr Wood spent several months working on the sculpture at his Newport workshop before putting the final touches on it in London just prior to the event’s opening on May 19.
Garden designer Sarah Eberle with Chris Wood’s sculpture (Image: Mark Spencer)
He observed: “Generally chainsaw carvers are not seen as being high end artists but actually carving with wood is extremely difficult.”
Previously a fabricator welder, Mr Wood has taken part in international chainsaw carving competitions and produced public art installations throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.
The CPRE garden, named On the Edge, examined the significance of rural areas on the fringes of urban centres.
Mr Wood’s Mother Nature guardian figure was partially sculpted from mature trees that had fallen.
After the Chelsea Flower Show, the garden will be transferred to a redeveloped housing development in Sheffield.
The relocation aims to establish a permanent community area and link to nature within an urban environment.
