• "Sculpture is the art of the intelligence"
    Pablo Picasso

Shaun Gilbert

I love creating art for people to enjoy, but it’s a real privilege to be able to give a tree a second life.
Large 6 foot sitting hare chainsaw carving by Shaun Gilbert, artist, sculptor

“It’s fascinating, the challenge of subtractive art. Transforming a log,  reducing the wood until it takes shape and creating a unique sculpture.”

I have always wanted to work with wood. My father was a traditional Norfolk Broads boat builder and while life invariably took different twists and turns, it eventually led me back to working with my favourite medium.

I draw inspiration from my surroundings and love to breathe new life into what others may only perceive as a log or tree stump. No two pieces are the same. They have their own properties with some being brittle, others resinous, so it’s important to work with the wood and not against it. My saw becomes an extension of my arm when I carve. I can feel its texture through the tip as if I am touching it with my fingers.

I carve a wide variety of animals and items to suit most tastes and budgets with chainsaw, chisel and power tools and now work on a commission-only basis. When time allows I exhibit at shows in East Anglia and currently I am unavailable for public carving demonstrations or events.

Due to a back injury which prompted a lifestyle change I divide my time between East Anglia and Portugal. The best way to track me down is via email or WhatsApp. Feel free to call if you want to speak in person and do leave a message if I’m unable to answer. I’m not being rude – it’s just difficult to hear a phone over a chainsaw or I may be driving, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Shaun Gilbert Chainsaw Artist & Sculptor in Norfolk, Suffolk and Portugal

Shaun Gilbert


"I was looking for a special present for my wife on her 60th birthday, knowing she loves to see hares running around the fields near us. A quick surf on the internet came up with a few chainsaw artists. Shaun's work shone out. A phone call later and multiple images of hares awaiting rehoming arrived on Whatsapp. Buying our chosen hare could not have been easier, a true gentleman to deal with we arranged to collect a couple of months later. In the flesh the detailing on the hare was incredible I was so chuffed with it. My wife was equally delighted. Thanks Shaun."

Richard Garwood
"Shaun has supported Sotterley Country Fair since the beginning and I can say I have never met a more honest professional! Happy to explain techniques, he has a passion for making sure each piece is completed to a high standard to ensure it is a true piece of art. He is a true countryside ambassador."

Rachel Bunn
Event Chair and Organiser, Sotterley Country Fair
"Thank you so much for this amazing sculpture, it is beautiful and the detail is wonderful. John is delighted with it as it was a birthday present."

Rona George
Ashampstead, Berkshire
"Shaun came to our first ever Strumpshaw Tree Fair in 2015. He has been supportive, has grown with us and our event and we have found him mellow and easy to work with. As a Fair grows people need to be moved around and he was the most accommodating of our policy of - chainsaw less, talk more! Shaun talks to everyone and people could ask and learn from him so he has fitted in a treat and become our star wood carver. Even when we could not hold our event in 2020 he stepped up and made a lovely video of him at work. As organisers we love him and his very talented work!"

Candy Sheridan
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Strumpshaw Tree Fair
"I purchased the Hare with the cricket on the base as a birthday present after seeing your works at a country fare. The hare is a beautiful piece of work and finished to a very high standard with so much detail which shows your great skills and high quality work. A very genuine man and a pleasure to do business with. Thank you so much."

John and Denise
Essex
"I’m known as the Owl Lady. I'm so very fortunate to work and care for 16 owls in education and therapy at my own premises and home. I don't breed, but in lockdown I purposely allowed my first ever hatch of a barn owl whom I named "Hope" and my partner secretly commissioned the most amazing carving by Shaun to celebrate this. Shaun is so very talented with a passion for what he creates. I highly recommend his work and his ethics."

Sandra Dalzell
Owner / Operator
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Happisburgh Owls
"Shaun is passionate about his work and creates the most stunning, individual and unique pieces of chainsaw art. They are simply amazing. He has "standard" pieces that are beautiful however his bespoke designs for individuals and businesses have to be seen to be appreciated."

Joanne Kerrison
Economic Development Officer
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Broadland District Council