Creating works of art on nature’s canvas

When it comes to artists who push the limits of creativity, Brandon Kroon is a master. The 30-year-old is a professional wood carver whose tool of choice is a chainsaw with which he transforms lifeless logs into breathtaking sculptures.

Brandon's journey into the world of chainsaw sculpture began with a childhood fascination. “My earliest memory of it is seeing it done when I was a kid at a local show,” he said. “It wasn't until years later, around the age of 19 or 20, that I picked up my chainsaw and just started carving into a log. It was as simple as that. And I loved it; I really got into it. My first few pieces weren't great, but bit by bit I kept doing it every weekend and then people I knew would help me out and give me an order here and there. It grew really quickly; certainly within six months I was starting to get a fair bit of work through it.”

Hailing from the Yarra Valley, Brandon's country upbringing provided the ideal backdrop for his artistic exploration. He credits Australian carvers who mentored him and shared valuable insights as instrumental in his growth as an artist. “At the start I really didn't know what I was doing, both artistically and from a safety perspective.”

One of his most notable creations is a sculpture commissioned by the Rosebud RSL. “I was contacted by the president. They had a tree that was unhealthy and dropping limbs into the car park so it had to be removed, but they left the stump. Sometimes it's just not possible to do what people ask for – the tree might be too far gone, or the reason it was cut down means the wood isn’t stable. I looked at the stump; it was in a great position and had been dried for a few years in that location. I thought we could give it a go.

“They had the idea of me carving a soldier, and they wanted it to be a World War I-era sculpture but something that also represents all the past and currently serving people, so away we went with it.” The project took two weeks to complete and is a remarkable piece of public art.

In addition to commissioned works, Brandon has earned recognition on the international stage. He won the US Open international carving competition with a remarkable saltwater crocodile sculpture. “The good thing about competitions is if ever I've had something really buzzing in my head that I've wanted to carve, they're a great opportunity for me to put that out there. The people I compete with have over the years become my good friends.

“Winning the US Open was an incredible memory; the piece I did there I still look back fondly on. It was a saltwater crocodile jumping out of the water to catch a barramundi, and the form of it is almost a perfect circle that frames the scene. I was really happy with that.”

After nearly a decade, Brandon's passion for wood carving remains undiminished. He views every project as an opportunity to push his creative boundaries and embrace new challenges. “I still love it. It's my full-time job. I’m blessed to be able to have a steady stream of commissions here in Australia. I'm very grateful for that. They can range from wildlife to human form to machinery and symmetrical carvings.”

Brandon's public works are on display at various locations, including Rosebud, Tooradin and Phillip Island, as well as parks and play spaces across Melbourne and interstate. For those interested in witnessing his artistry first hand, Brandon suggests they follow him on social media @bkcarving and keep an eye on his website for updates on coming events.