Joe Krings, an artist from rural Lindsay, Nebraska, has carved a unique career transforming ordinary trees into intricate sculptures using a chainsaw. His work primarily features wildlife, including majestic eagles and imposing bears, which he crafts with remarkable detail.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Krings creates detailed wood sculptures using chainsaws.
- His most popular works are eagles and bears.
- He began carving in 2016 and now works mostly on commissions.
- Pieces can range from 8 to 16 feet tall and weigh over a thousand pounds.
- The process involves carving, sanding, burning, and staining.
From Computer Animation to Chainsaw Artistry
Krings initially pursued a bachelor's degree in studio art and computer animation. However, finding limited job opportunities in his specialized field locally, he returned to his family's farm. His artistic journey with chainsaws began unexpectedly in 2016.
He started carving out of a need for a creative outlet between his children's naps. His first pieces were two Canadian geese for a cancer benefit. These sold well, sparking his passion for the craft.
Background on Chainsaw Art
Chainsaw carving is a form of wood sculpture where a chainsaw is the primary tool. Artists use various sizes of chainsaws, from large models for rough shaping to smaller, more precise tools for fine details. This art form often transforms logs or tree stumps into figures, animals, or abstract shapes, showcasing both power and delicate control.
The Artistic Process and Inspiration
Krings describes his ability to visualize and create sculptures from raw wood as a natural gift. "It just came to me," he explains. "Once I get in a zone, it just flows." He often begins with a photograph or a drawing, marking the wood to establish proportions for the head and shoulders.
The initial blocking out of the shape is done with a chainsaw. For finer details, Krings switches to an electric dremel. The finishing process involves burning the wood with a torch, followed by extensive sanding and staining with a penetrating oil that often contains color pigments.
"I just tried to stay within the proportions of what my mind saw it should be, try to get a photo from the front and side view to see what it’s supposed to look like all the way around," Krings shared about his method.
Popular Creations and Notable Pieces
While Krings carves a variety of subjects, including cars, Jeeps, tractors, and trailers, animals remain his most requested work. He has created approximately 70 eagles and 10 to 12 bears.
Impressive Scale
- One bear sculpture stands 8 feet, 2 inches tall from its stump base.
- This particular bear weighs an estimated 1,200 to 1,300 pounds.
- Krings has also crafted a 16-foot piece on-site in Osceola.
His favorite recent work is a bear he created for Ron Krings in Humphrey. Another notable piece is a Hamm's Bear, and he has also designed eagles that will be incorporated into a bench.
Materials and Time Commitment
Krings works with various types of wood, but he prefers walnut for its hardness and ability to hold intricate details. Pine and cedar are also commonly used, noted for being lighter and easier to carve.
The time required for each piece varies significantly. An eagle can take about a day to a day and a half to complete. Larger, more complex sculptures may require four to five days. Krings notes that the actual carving time is often less than the time spent on sanding, burning, and applying finishes.
Reaching Audiences Across the Country
Initially, Krings created pieces and then sought buyers. Now, his reputation has grown, and he primarily works on commission. His art has traveled far beyond Nebraska, with pieces shipped to states including Massachusetts, Texas, Michigan, and Oregon.
He also travels to customers' homes for on-site carvings, particularly for larger projects. His work has taken him to various locations across Nebraska, including Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Hastings, and Hebron, visiting roughly 10 to 12 different sites.
Early Inspiration
At the age of 8 or 9, Krings was captivated by a carver at the Madison County Fair who created a sheep. He recalls standing there for five hours, completely mesmerized, a moment that foreshadowed his own artistic path.
A Family Affair
Krings's children, Alayna, 9, and Matthias, 6, show interest in his craft. Matthias, in particular, enjoys being in the workshop with his father, wearing safety glasses and using a toy chainsaw that makes realistic sounds. This suggests a potential future generation of chainsaw artists in the family.
His journey from farm life and construction work to a full-time artist highlights a unique blend of practicality and creative talent. Krings has truly found his calling, turning powerful tools into instruments of delicate artistry, transforming ordinary wood into extraordinary sculptures that capture the essence of wildlife.