With the right tools and skills, there’s no limit as to what one can build out of fallen tree branches. From shelves, lamps, planters, bed frames and even bathtubs, to name a few—the possibilities are almost endless. And if you wish to put your woodworking skills to the ultimate test, then this colossal octopus carving just might get you inspired.
The sculpture, dubbed Giant Pacific Octopus, measures 14 feet long, 9 feet tall and weighs about 3,500 pounds. It was built by American chainsaw artist Jeffrey Michael Samudosky out of a redwood snag. Using chainsaws of varying sizes, grinders and sanding tools, Samudosky was able to carve the massive sea creature sculpture to perfection.
Before becoming a chainsaw artist, Samudosky trained as an Alpine mountaineering guide in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Soon enough, he became certified as a wilderness emergency medical technician. Unfortunately, a snowboarding accident had left him with no feeling in his legs and a broken back. Luckily, he managed to fully recover within just eight months.
Despite this terrible accident, Samudosky didn’t give up his love for snowboarding. Little did he know that a trip to the mountains in Vermont would pave the way towards a new hobby. Interestingly, some wood carvings along the side of the road caught his attention during this trip. Without hesitation, he immediately thought to himself, “I could do that.”
In 1998, Jeffrey Michael Samudosky founded his company, JMS Wood Sculpture
And carving has become his full-time career since then
Being in the industry for over 20 years, Samudosky has participated in numerous events and carving competitions around the world. He and his works have also appeared in various TV shows like Discovery Channel’s Saw Dogs. His works have also been recently featured in different publications, including the National Geographic Kids UK Magazine and Ripley’s Odd is Art.
Samudosky takes delight in sculpting larger-than-life marine and wildlife animals
Among his popular works is the Giant Pacific Octopus which he sculpted out of a redwood snag
This massive octopus carving measures 14 feet long, 9 feet tall and weighs about 3,500 pounds
Using chainsaws of varying sizes, grinders and sanding tools, Samudosky was able to carve this colossal sea creature sculpture to perfection
More often than not, his wooden sculptures feature larger-than-life replicas of animals such as horses, wolves and eagles. Aside from marine and wildlife animals, he’s also fond of creating sculptures with native American motifs.