Woodworking at Its Best: Chainsaw Carving an Eagle – VIDEO

As a student, Paul Vlad came to live and work in the United States during the summer vacation, but little did he know his life would change forever. He came to work in a kitchen and was looking for a second job when he met America’s famous chainsaw carving artists Jarrett Dahl and Scott Hanson.

„I was near Mount Rushmore, just minutes from Dahl’s Chainsaw Art galleries in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I came by to ask for a custodian job but was offered a different job.

He needed someone to add the fine carving details to the sculptures. Although I had never done this, he was patient and helped me overcome the fear of chainsaws. Soon I came to learn the basics of chainsaw carving and its secrets. I used chainsaws to carve bears, eagles, and other detailed and masterful works of art.”

After two years, Paul left the U.S. and set off for Neamț, Romania, bringing with him all the experiences and skills gained abroad. Back in his home village, Paul started out making custom chainsaw carving, and he quickly gained a reputation for his remarkable artwork and unique approach to his art practice.

A few months back, I came across his artwork, and I just sensed he was different in his style. So we were in Săbăoani, ready to watch him knock off a maple trunk into an amazing big-sized eagle.

Upon our arrival, he proudly ushered us into a large room full of massive animal sculptures and led us around the room. In the middle of the room was a large wooden table. There were animal carvings incorporated into furniture pieces, benches with carvings into the back, benches with ends featuring whimsical bears playing, or eagles perched on tree branches. 

Whether it was a graceful stag, a majestic eagle, or a playful bear, each meticulously carved sculpture enticed you to run your fingers over it and feel its cuts made with attention to detail. Only by seeing it up close can one truly appreciate the skill of the woodworker. Every aspect was carefully crafted to evoke a sense of realism and beauty. 

We left the room and went inside his workshop just across the yard. Two of the four walls in the large workshop had two sets of windows, letting enough light in. To the left, Paul had a collection of gas-powered chainsaws neatly displayed on shelves. On the desk straight ahead lay a carved lion head. In the middle of the workshop, a two-meter freshly cut trunk covered with moss lay upwards. It emanated a fresh scent that was strong and pleasant.

With one hand holding a chainsaw and the other examining the rough surface of the trunk, Paul carefully began to cut off pieces of wood without any sketch.  Bigger and smaller wood pieces fell to the ground.

Just a moment later, the shape of the eagle appeared, still simple but visible. He then took a smaller chainsaw and began working his way down the statue, doing the fine lines.

Small wood chips and dust particles were gracefully floating in the air.

Paul looked at the eagle, carefully examining it, and then he began charring it. The statue now emanated a fragrant wood scent.

He then smoothed it with a brush and applied glossy varnish on the head and tail. He took a drill machine and carefully carved its eyes. He chose two green marbles for its eyes and stuffed them into the holes.

In about two hours the statue was completed. Paul took it outside and applied glossy varnish over the head and tail, for the white paint to adhere to the surface.  Looking at the finished statue, his lips broke into a satisfied smile. It looked like a real fierce eagle!

Paul was both timely and ambitious. No wonder people are flocking to get his sculptures. His latest project was an ensemble comprising eight large bears, two wolves, three eagles, two boars, and an owl destined to decorate a guest house.

He was super nice and courteous, and we enjoyed everything we saw and did. Hopefully, we’ll be back for more of his wonderful works.

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