About Mick Burns - Chainsaw Sculptor

I originally trained in forestry with the forestry commission, then at Newton Rigg College in Cumbria. However, as my main interest lay in making things from a variety of different materials, I eventually "branched" out in other directions working mainly in mold manufacture and casting sculptural objects - ultimately leaving forestry behind for a good number of years.

Circumstances dictated my return to forestry as an instructor with a university in Lincolnshire. Given the opportunity of a plentiful supply of timber of large dimensions and ready access to a variety of chainsaws, I started to further develop my carving skills. This eventually became a realistic proposition in terms of earning a living, so I gave up the "day job" and concentrated on the sculpture. It now supplies me with my main source of income.

Since 2001 I have worked with IBS Wood and Woodland Division delivering courses in forestry related subjects as part of the "Lincwoods" project in Lincolnshire. One of the courses I developed was tailored for instruction in chainsaw carving for those already in possession of a recognized qualification in chainsaw operation. In addition to this I have also been involved in delivering training workshops for The Coach House Trust in Glasgow.

For a number of years I participated in the major carving event "Sculptree" at Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury in Gloucestershire. Examples of that work appear in the gallery pages of this site.

Like so many other artists I also take my inspiration from the shapes and forms nature has to offer, although in some ways I tend more towards the unconventional in that I find objects like animal skulls fascinating from a sculptural point of view. It was from this source that I decided on the subject for my first opportunity to carve as a guest at Sculptree '99. I chose to produce a giant roe deer skull which subsequently featured on the cover of Woodworking Magazine.

I also love to carve shells. Their apparent simplicity masks the rather complicated progression of a helix which, if one does not capture quite right, can result in the piece only being fit for firewood.

I am prepared to travel to produce sculptures from timber many miles from home. I own a large van fitted out to serve as accommodation as well as being used in the transport of sculptures. It also doubles up as a mobile workshop which is very useful for chainsaw carving courses.

Germinated in Glasgow Trained in forestry Hobby woodcarver Forestry instructor and chainsaw trainer Currently residing in rural Lincolnshire Working part-time teaching for the training organization "IBS Wood and Woodland Division" Well versed in very few of life's' vices Extremely adaptable,open minded, tolerant, polite, versatile	About Mick Burns The Chainsaw Sculptor Well, here I am.	149 years old 28 years chainsaw experience 11 years chainsaw carving Devotee of the unconventional in life as well as use of materials Prepared to travel to commissions and demonstrations All teeth are (nearly) my own Lacking an unintelligible regional dialect (understandable) at least when sober Do not possess a kilt
I originally trained in forestry with the forestry commission, then at Newton Rigg College in Cumbria. However, as my main interest lay in making things from a variety of different materials, I eventually "branched" out in other directions working mainly in mold manufacture and casting sculptural objects - ultimately leaving forestry behind for a good number of years. Circumstances dictated my return to forestry as an instructor with a university in Lincolnshire. Given the opportunity of a plentiful supply of timber of large dimensions and ready access to a variety of chainsaws, I started to further develop my carving skills. This eventually became a realistic proposition in terms of earning a living, so I gave up the "day job" and concentrated on the sculpture. It now supplies me with my main source of income. Since 2001 I have worked with IBS Wood and Woodland Division delivering courses in forestry related subjects as part of the "Lincwoods" project in Lincolnshire. One of the courses I developed was tailored for instruction in chainsaw carving for those already in possession of a recognized qualification in chainsaw operation. In addition to this I have also been involved in delivering training workshops for The Coach House Trust in Glasgow. For a number of years I participated in the major carving event "Sculptree" at Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury in Gloucestershire. Examples of that work appear in the gallery pages of this site. Like so many other artists I also take my inspiration from the shapes and forms nature has to offer, although in some ways I tend more towards the unconventional in that I find objects like animal skulls fascinating from a sculptural point of view. It was from this source that I decided on the subject for my first opportunity to carve as a guest at Sculptree '99. I chose to produce a giant roe deer skull which subsequently featured on the cover of Woodworking Magazine. I also love to carve shells. Their apparent simplicity masks the rather complicated progression of a helix which, if one does not capture quite right, can result in the piece only being fit for firewood. I am prepared to travel to produce sculptures from timber many miles from home. I own a large van fitted out to serve as accommodation as well as being used in the transport of sculptures. It also doubles up as a mobile workshop which is very useful for chainsaw carving courses.