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Simon O’Rourke

@treecarving.bsky.social

46 followers 31 following 180 posts

Sculptor, illustrator, based in North Wales Creator of the viral Giant Hand sculpture https://linktr.ee/treecarving

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Nov 19

Good morning bluesky! Introduction post… I’m a large scale wood sculptor (the sculptures are large, not me)

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 17d

Thank you!!!

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 20d

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-...

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 20d

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

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 23d

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 · 28d

I've been into gaming for a LONG time, and love the Final Fantasy franchise. The Buster Sword is iconic too, so it was a great subject.

Turning it into a Christmas tree is perhaps a little off the wall, but I like it!

#chainsawcarving #sculpture #finalfantasy #stihlgb #christmastree #stihlsaws

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · 28d

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 · 29d

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

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Sep 15

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...

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Sep 13

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

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Sep 12

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"

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Sep 11

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

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Sep 9

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 · Sep 9

The gate has multiple elements from the Armstrong-Jones family crest meaning it's truly unique and perfect for the setting.

#chainsawcarving #sculpture #bespokegate #gates #stag #mixedmedia

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Sep 9

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 · Sep 8

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...

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Sep 6

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 · Sep 4

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

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Sep 3

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

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Sep 2

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

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Sep 1

Some photos my client sent me of the #GreenMan sculpture he commissioned as an #AnniversaryGift for his wife.

#chainsawcarving #sculpture #treefolk #mythology #gardeninspo #dreamgarden

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Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Aug 30

A bit of creative planning yesterday to end a busy week...

#chainsawcarving #sculpture #humanform #workinprogress #stihlsaws #stihlgb #stihllife

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Aug 29

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

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Aug 28

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

Simon O’Rourke @treecarving.bsky.social · Aug 27

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-...