John Roberts Chainsaw Woodcarvings

In a Herald and News article, Hobby Becomes Livelihood, by Rita Backa, she writes:

What started as a childhood hobby for John Roberts is now his way to earn a living.  The 39-year-old father of four grown children is a taxidermist, wood carver and guide.  In 1972, he made it official, build a small shop next to his residence on Altamont Drive, hung out a sign and has enjoyed every moment of his new career.

"I was a kid whittler," he said.  "I carved all kinds of small characters, animals and eventually graduated to duck and goose decoys.  A little over a year ago I was watching a fellow carver with a chain saw.  He told me if I could whittle with a knife, I could surely carver with a saw.  Right now it is my favorite activity."

He prefers using redwood.  "It finishes up nice, but it also gives me an excuse to go to the coast and look for beached redwood.  I also carve with cedar and pine," he said.

Roberts has been a taxidermist for nearly 12 years, a trade that also started as a hobby.  He does all types of "mounts," averaging about one per day with any extra time saved for chain saw carving.  He mounts fish, birds of all types and animals.

His guide service to Upper Klamath for half-day fishing trips provides an added opportunity to fish - another favorite hobby.  In the fall, he offers his services to those interested in bear hunting.

His studio is filled with forms - animal skins and heads to be mounted or trophies in stages of being finished.  His driveway is decorated with waiting chunks of wood to be carved, partially finished carvings and those that await delivery.

Life is never dull for John Roberts.  He has Upper Klamath Lake nearby for that special fishing trip and bears to hunt each fall.  When inspired, there is carving to be done and finishing work on the varied types of creatures that inhabit his shop.  And there is always that special trip to the coast, to comb the beaches for redwood on which he can work his chainsaw wizardry.

For more information about our products or services, write John Roberts at johnroberts@oregonwoodcarver.com.  For general questions or comments about us or our website, write webmaster@oregonwoodcarver.com.

Last modified: December 06, 2003