Arts and Culture

WATCH: Bringing out natural beauty with an unlikely tool

Tyler Welfing shows how a simple log can become so much more

It takes a great deal of finesse and dexterity to carve wood with hand tools, but it takes even more to carve with a chainsaw.

Enter Tyler Welfing, of CarveWel Creations, who was set up on Tugboat Beach during Celebrate Canada Day Kelowna festivities, showcasing his artistry.

“I had the opportunity to carve ice for the Vernon Winter Carnival,” Welfing told Kelowna10 “And [I] decided that if I could do that with ice, why not do that with wood. [I] bought a couple of chainsaws, and here I am.”

Welfing said he had probably only used a chainsaw maybe a dozen times when he started to carve.

“It’s the beauty of the wood,” he explained. “It’s looking at a log and seeing that it can be more than just a log. It’s the smell, the renewability of it.”

Welfing was covered from head to toe in sawdust, the mark of progress on the piece. Next to him, the carving, that of an already very detailed bald eagle.

Kelowna10 asked him how long he had been at it, to which Welfing stated; “That one? I think I’ve got about 25 minutes, half hour into it.”

While Welfing was demonstrating his mastery of a chainsaw, a tent nearby showcased various past carvings. Each is intricately carved and stained, and depict wolves, owls, as well as other nature themed sculptures.

“One of my most recent pieces - and the one I’m probably the most proud of - I was commissioned by the City of Vernon to do a large bench,” Welfing said. “About three weeks ago, it was installed and unveiled to the public use. It’s a 15-foot-long bench, with three sculptures, and two benches.”

Welfing said he enjoys what he does, as his jovial attitude is ever present as he works on his piece.

“How much better does it get? I play with chainsaws.”

Published 2022-07-01 by Matthew Levi

Get a fresh daily look

See what’s happening in and around our city, and the people who call it home.

Our newsroom abides by the RTNDA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and follows the Canadian Press Stylebook. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to send us a news tip, please contact us.

Kelowna10 is division of Pattison Media, and strives to achieve the highest ethical standards in all that we do.