Chainsaw carver transforms beloved tree

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This article was published 07/09/2022 (1269 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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The crimson heart in the eagle’s grip represents the homeowner’s love for her late husband and their connection to the trees that once shaded their front yard.

“The house was built around the trees,” Duerinckx said. “You see a lot of trees were removed in the neighbourhood here. But they wanted to keep these trees as long as possible. I guess the maples were starting to rot and they had to remove them. But she wanted to maintain some part of the tree as the theme … She’s the sweetest lady.”

The eagle carving complements two other artworks on site, woodland creatures by Duerinckx’s friend and fellow carver Jim Niedermayer.

Duerinckx’s partner and North End resident Laurie Cardinal says she chatted with many neighbours who stopped by during the carving process.

“People were driving by, walking by, stopping and asking me questions,” Cardinal said, adding that a neighbour a street or two after hopes to commission a carving. “Word gets out.”

Duerinckx started his woodcarving career more than three decades ago making hand-carved decoys of loons and ducks. About ten years into his work, he bought a chainsaw — henceforth his primary carving tool.

Chainsaw carving has been the Lac du Bonnet resident’s focus in recent years. He named his carving company MAD Art, pulling the first initials from his full name, Martin Anthony Duerinckx.

Duerinckx says the chainsaw carving community in Manitoba is thriving.

“There are about 15 active people who have a passion for it. The other ones maybe dabble in it a bit. But I have a passion for it,” Duerinckx said.

Duerinckx hopes to one day showcase his talents on A Cut Above, a woodcarving reality show hosted by Adam Beach on the Discovery channel. Duerinckx has worked alongside some of the contestants over the years.

To commission a piece by Duerinckx, contact him at 204-266-2611.