Phoenix rises from the sawdust for Shropshire sculptor
It started as a simple tree trunk. But it has been transformed into this majestic phoenix – using only a chainsaw.
The bird is the latest artwork by a reknowned Shropshire sculptor who uses power tools to do his art.
Joffrey Watson has carved a phoenix rising from the flames out of wood.
Mr Watson, from Much Wenlock, is a tree surgeon who creates stunning works of art from the stumps of trees – using only chainsaws.
Known as "the chainsaw bloke" he has produced some stunning sculptures over the years including castles, angel wings, squirrels, an owl – and now this phoenix.
The phoenix will now be a staple in the garden of a couple from Coalbrookdale, who initially commissioned Joffrey to create an eagle, though he felt he could create something more spectacular.
He said: "I said if it was possible I'd like to do a bit more with it and the owners went along with it.
"The tree was a large cedar tree which was cut down by another tree surgeon who left a stump.
"He is actually a friend of mine and put the owner in contact with me to create a sculpture.
"They were very pleased with it.
"It took about two days with the chainsaws and about five hours into the third day to do the sanding."
He added: "As with every carving I do, I find before I start it is stressful in my head but once I start doing it, it is absolutely fine."
For 18 years Joffrey worked worked for tree surgery company Benbow Brothers tree surgeons at Lee Brockhurst until last Christmas, and now is self employed as a tree surgeon and chainsaw sculptor.
He has previously done sculptures for Hawkstone Park and Follies, which now decorate the woodland around the historic parkland near Whitchurch.
This time last year he created an owl in the garden of Wellington residents Paul and Joanne Woolley out of an old beech tree.
To find out more about his work, search on Facebook for The Chainsaw Bloke or visit www.thechainsawbloke.co.uk
