Carver gets into log rhythm

CANTON — Terry L. McKendree stood on the sidewalk with a roaring chain saw in his hands. The white pine log in front of him didn't stand a chance as he cut into its surface.

Despite Saturday's cold, damp weather, passers-by stood mesmerized as Mr. McKendree used his chain saw to turn the 4-foot-tall log into a bear statue outside the Traditional Arts in Upstate New York Folkstore, 53 Main St. The ears took shape first, followed by a head and snout. He used the saw's tip to shape the creature's shoulders, body and limbs, even the texture of its fur.

"It depends on what you're carving, but 95 percent of the work is usually done with a chain saw," Mr. McKendree said. "Once you get good at it and you get a steadier hand, you can get a good amount of detail without having to go to smaller tools."

Mr. McKendree was at TAUNY Saturday as part of the organization's monthly "meet and greet the artist" program. The retired Potsdam police chief operates Buck Ridge Chainsaw Carving, 2012 River Road, DeKalb Junction.

"We find it's conducive to do something outside that demonstrates how the art is made," said Jody D. Tosti, TAUNY Folkstore manager. "We've had excellent reception from the public and our artists."

Mr. McKendree said he has always been interested in carving and honed his chain saw skills when building the log home in Old DeKalb he shares with his wife, Carol A. He said he started reading about chain saw carving not long after the house was finished, and over time taught himself the craft.

He said he spends eight to 10 hours carving up to six pieces in a typical day.

"The shape of the wood dictates what it should be," Mr. McKendree said. "The trick is trying to come up with different ideas, different looks. I try to constantly change the look of my pieces."

He uses a Dremel tool and grinder for fine detail, and a blowtorch to add shadows, depth and color to his creations.

"Terry puts a lot of personality into his carvings," Mrs. McKendree said. "Each carver's pieces are unique. I can pick out of a group which ones are his."

Mr. McKendree retired in 2003. His wife said she never imagined he'd be spending his retirement carving out a business with a chain saw.

"His pieces are in several states and Canada," she said. "We sent one to England, too."

Asked whether his chain saw-wielding craft makes her nervous, Mrs. McKendree said, "A little. But he's only had two bleeding accidents, and they were with the grinder, not the chain saw."

The bear statue Mr. McKendree carved Saturday was raffled off. Michael J. LaBell, Watertown, was drawn as the winner.