iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

A collaboration I can really get behind… #beer #realale

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Posting about the chainsaw bar in yesterday's video reminded me of this blog with some of my tips for getting the most from your chainsaw bar. There's also video at the end for those who prefer that. Fellow carvers, what would you add? treecarving.co.uk/getting-the-...

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

Once I've blocked out a sculpture, the STIHL MSA200 battery saw is brilliant for refining the shape and adding detail like fur. I'm using it here with their 043 (1.1mm) gauge 12” (30cm) carving bar. #tooltalk #chainsawcarving #sculpture #workinprogress #stihlgb #stihlsaws #stihllife #powertools

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Couldn't let #NationalHobbitDay pass without re-sharing this #Frodo sculpture (me) and Hobbit door (Paul Ed Sculpts ) installed earlier this year. Which #LOTR character would you comission? #sculpture #chainsawcarving #dreamgarden #fanart #tolkien #hobbit #fantasy

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

On Friday I asked if you could guess the video game this sword was from. A few of you guessed correctly - well done! It's the Buster Sword from Final Fantasy VII. Paul and I were lucky enough to work on this commission in 2022 to celebrate the launch of the action-packed prequel to FF VII.

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

A little teaser for something I'll be working on for the next couple of days. Guesses in the comments... #chainsawcarving #sculpture #oak #workinprogress #TuesdayTeaser

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

If you're within travelling distance of Cefn Mawr, get 28th September in your diaries! There's something for all ages, and you'll even find me there doing a chainsaw carving demo...

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

At @sweeneyhotel with @alfiebradleyart and @blacksculpt getting ready for tomorrow's exhibition. Come out and see us Sweeney Hotel, Oswestry Sunday 14th September 10am - 5pm

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

Can you guess the video game franchise? Today is #NationalVideoGamesDay and this Christmas tree was based on a weapon from a well known franchise. Do you know which one it is? Need a hint? "A large broadsword that has inherited the hopes of those who fight"

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

A longer look at the relief carved dancer featured in my reel yesterday. I love the subtle colour from @barrettineproducts wood preserver that enhances the sculpture and protects at the same time. #chainsawcarving #woodcarving #sculpture #dancer #ballet #barrettine #stihlgb #stihllife

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

If you liked this collaboration, you can also see Alfie and I exhibit together (along with @blacksculpt ) this Sunday at Sweeney Hall, Oswestry, 10am - 5pm

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

I had the commission from the Plas Dinas estate to create a new gate leading to a footpath, and I saw this as an opportunity to collaborate with Alfie Bradley. We used Cedar to create the fencing and gate (credit to Paul Edwards for the gate and fleur de lys), and made space for Alfie’s artwork.

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

Have you signed up for this yet? It promises to be an interesting conversation listening to a range of perspectives on AI in art. WU Enhancing Entrepreneurship are allocating spaces on a first come, first served basis, so fill out your form to guarantee your spot! forms.office.com/pages/respon...

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

Earlier this week I shared a #GreenMan sculpture commissioned as an anniversary gift. I love a good "treefolk" sculpture so I thought I'd share some I've made in the past including my Oak Father and Daughter and an Ent. #sculpture #chainsawcarving #dreamgarden #gardeninspo #ent #fantasy #mythology

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

AI: total slop or the future of art? Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, this session is a chance to be inspired, challenged, and heard. Event Details: Date: 30/09/2025 Location: Wrexham University, School of Art Time: 12pm-2pm

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

What an honour to make this bench in memory of Eva. Her family wanted a place they - and the community that supported them - could visit, rest, think, reflect, and remember Eva. This bench will hopefully, be just that place for many. www.unbeatableeva.co.uk

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

We’re taking over The Sweeney Hall, Oswestry with a one-day-only explosion of creativity. 👀 Art to make you stop and stare. 😂 Conversations you didn’t expect at an art show. 🥂 Good vibes, good people, & a glass of something bubbly. 📅 Sunday, 14th September | 10am –5 pm 📍 The Sweeney Hall, Oswestry

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

It's #NationalSportsDay in a few countries around the globe so for the occasion, here are a few sporting sculptures I've made. I realised I haven't had many sports commissions. Which sportsperson or sport would you like to see me make? #chainsawcarving #sculpture #sports #senna #soccer #f1 #cricket

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

A few sneaky stills from Sculpting Tranquility documentary showing me (and Paul) at work on a 5m fire-breathing dragon. You can get a link to watch the 20 minute version of the documentary (the only way to see the finished dragon!) by donating your £5 at www.treecarving.co.uk/film-project

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

Taking a moment on #InternationalLotteryDay to share my carriage driver sculpture at Lews Castle. The commission was partly funded by their community lottery - a great way of generating funds for a sculpture in your community! Full story behind this sculpture at treecarving.co.uk/lews-castle-...

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

My app tells me it's #NationalDogDay! I'll do a dog compilation later in the week, but for now, here's me refining a #sculpture I made of a #Weimeraner , a breed known for its intelligence, high energy, and hunting. Do you have a favourite dog breed? Let me know in the comments!

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

Sharing my #PolarBear sculpture because this week one of the team told us she couldn't work out the lyrics to "Golden", and keeps hearing "I'm done hiding, now I'm shining like a polar bear" 🤣🤣🤣 Have you got any funny #MisheardLyrics ? Let me know in the comments! #chainsawcarving #golden #stihlgb

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

A parliament of owls! In last week's blog I shared that I've probably been asked for owls more often than any other subject in my career as a sculptor (and some tips for how I keep it fresh). This isn't anything like the full collection but it's a fun compilation!

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Today is the #FeastOfTheAssumption in the Catholic and Orthodox churches so it felt during to do a #flashbackfriday post of these two #Mary sculptures I've created for churches in Salford and Pwllheli. Very different styles and imagery recognising the same person. Which do you prefer and why?

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

Remember the #fairy I made at this year's English Open competition at Sandringham? Here she is in her forever home! Thank you to the buyer for the photo! I hope you enjoy her! #chainsawcarving #englishopen #sculpture #dreamgarden #gardeninspo #fantasy

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

For those who prefer photos to video, here are a few of the sculpture I made for The Bear - Tattenhall As well as being able to enjoy a great meal and see this sculpture, you'll also spot my illustrations around the place when you visit. #chainsawcarving #sculpture #bears #publicart #gastropub

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

🎶If you go down to the pub today, you're sure of a big surprise🎶 Well, maybe not a big surprise, but if you head to The Bear in Tattenhall, you'll find some of my illustrations around the place as well as this sculpture in the grounds. The food is delicious and you can't beat a beer in the sunshine!

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 10/08/2025

Angel in a Wasteland. Another fun commission, thoroughly enjoyed myself on this. #chainsawcarving #sculpture #portrait #angel #gardeninspo

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

Although it's not a portrait, my current sculpture is loosely based on my client's wife on their wedding Day. Can you see it? #chainsawcarving #sculpture #bride #portrait #humanform #gardeninspo #dreamgarden #treecycle

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Tuesday. My current commission. And what a lovely setting to be doing it in! #chainsawcarving #sculpture #gardeninspo #bride #humanform

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

I made this #hare #sculpture back in February but just finished the time lapse. It's great timing though as this lovely property is available to book. Anyone for a holiday in a cottage with a star-gazing hare? www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/oc-3... #chainsawcarving #sladehouse #timelapse

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Yesterday was #PaperbackBookDay which reminded me of this collab with Matthew Crabb, created as part of the jubilee celebrations. This premise can be adapted for any book or author. What would you choose? #chainsawcarving #sculpture #lotr #tolkien #fantasy #frodo #gollum

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

One of the great things about a pillar is you don't have to stick to one theme and can incorporate multiple things that are appealing, beautiful, or meaningful to you. What do you think to this one from around 2021? #chainsawcarving #stihlsaws #stihlgb #sculpture #greenman #owl #dreamgarden

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

Re-sharing this lioness sculpture from 2020 in honour of the fantastic performance of the #lionesses in the #euros . What a great night for British football! Were you watching? #chainsawcarving #sculpture #lioness #lions #gardeninspo #dreamgarden #bigcats

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Owls are the most popular animal I get asked to carve at the top of a wildlife sculpture (Like the one I made this week), but they're not the only animal people choose. This client opted for a rooster. You can just imagine him crowing in the morning! #sculpture #chainsawcarving #rooster

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

Here it is, the finished owl sculpture at Braganza Bed and Breakfast in St Mawes. If you're in the area, spot it at w3w.co/gearing.blue... And if you're looking for a B&B in Cornwall, Liz and I definitely recommend this one! #chainsawcarving #sculpture #owl #publicart #visitcornwall #stmawes

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

Another beautiful morning to start my last day working on this commission in St Mawes, Cornwall. #treecarving #chainsawcarving #sculpture #gardeninspo #wildlife #owl #stmawes

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

A sunny Wednesday update from my latest commission at Braganza Bed and Breakfast in St Mawes. Listening back, I think I accidentally found a great name for a Chainsaw Carver's autobiography. Can you spot it? #chainsawcarving #sculpture #sweatandsawdust #wildlife #owl #stmawes #stihlgb

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

As you can tell from the sawdust, I've been hard at work! The sculpture is taking shape nicely with a couple of owls blocked out. If you were having a wildlife pillar, what would you choose to sit at the top? #chainsawcarving #sculpture #dreamgarden #workinprogress #stihlgb #owl #gardeninspo

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

Part one of my latest commission! I'm out and about this week working on an on-site sculpture for Braganza B&B in St Mawes. A lovely commission in a stunning location. Watch this space for updates as the week goes on. #chainsawcarving #sculpture #stihlgb #stihlsaws #publicart #owl #gardeninspo

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

Paul and I were at Wyvernwood recently installing more sculptures Paul created for the attraction. More to come, keep watching this space! #chainsawcarving #sculpture #geode #wyvernwood #publicart

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

A little taster of the sculptures @edacheillustrates has been working on for @wyvernwood.uk Watch out this week for more! #greenman #wyvernwood #chainsawcarving #sculpture

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Shout out to @edacheillustrates for a great job done on this owl today, a commission for Jigsaw Curzon House Day Nursery #chainsawcarving #sculpture #gardeninspo #birdsofprey #owl #jigsawnursery

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Well this is different! Somehow, I've signed myself up for a charity golf tournament! If you think that sounds like fun and fancy a round in aid of a good cause, contact Stef on 07821 649066.

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

It's #NationalNudeDay, so I thought I'd share some of my oldest (c2005) and most recent nudes. There's always been a lot of conversation around nudity & art... What's acceptable? What's too explicit? Where do you stand? Would you ever commission a nude? Drop a comment and let me know.

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