iN PHOTOS: Penticton couple make chainsaw art out of topped trees

The creative works of a Penticton chainsaw carving couple can be seen on a growing number of properties throughout the Okanagan and beyond.

Dave and Sam McKamey are the owners of a Penticton-based business The Carving Lot they began seven years ago, and while they do wood refinishing, timber maintenance and custom furniture builds, Dave said their main focus, and passion is creating pieces of art.

Dave just recently transformed the remains of a tree on a property in Summerland into a picture of owls, sunshine and flowers.

“When we went to Summerland, I talked the client’s husband who told us just what kind of artwork his wife liked, so I took a picture of the tree which I took home to create the image within it,” he said.

“When you’re on site you’re looking at how the tree has grown over the years and the tree kind of speaks to you when you’re carving, it’s hard to explain the process. You just get into it and go with the flow.

“It’s about making a custom piece that a person can enjoy, taking that tree and turning it into something beautiful. Being able to turn something that would otherwise by taken down into art is phenomenal.”

The chainsaw wielding couple are often seen doing live demonstrations and competing at chainsaw competitions at festivals and events around the Okanagan and beyond.

They travelled to Kamloops at the beginning of May for the Interior Logging Association’s convention and will be travelling to logging shows on Vancouver Island and Chetwyn this year.

“We did some live carving out there in Kamloops and plan to do onsite carvings for Kamloops residents in the future,” Dave said.

“It’s going to be a good season, we’re looking forward to the season just booting around.”

Dave’s passion for wood carving began roughly a decade ago when he met a professional chainsaw carver and tried his hand at the skill, which he has developed over time with a lot of practise.

He credits his wife, Sam, as the main component of the company, whom he calls Sam the Carvette.

Go here to learn more about The Carving Lot.