A dead tree turns into a beautiful bird. Photos by Michael Gordon
by Richard Lieberman
In August 2018, a very large pine tree in Plaza Park, 651 E. Thompson Blvd. (across from post office)had to be almost completely removed due to disease. John Mahoney from West Coast Arborist transformed the 20-foot high remaining tree into a beautiful sculptured art piece with a chainsaw. John also carved the two eagle sculptures at Arroyo Verde Park and the owl and bear at Camino Real Park. John is a true Michelangelo with a chainsaw.
The sculpting is part of the service from West Coast Arborist for removal and milling of the trees and will not require any extra cost from the City. The City of Ventura contracts with West Coast Arborist for tree maintenance. The company is environmentally conscious and reuses wood and trees that are cut down. John Mahoney came all the way from Laguna Beach to perform his art.
Years of drought have taken a toll on trees in and around Ventura. The city contracted with long time contractor West Coast Arborists to take out dead trees in Plaza Park. This is something many countries suffer from and so do many homeowners, leaving their garden and landscapes dull, which is why many will get in contact with services like these or other lawn care services to help bring a bit of life back to their gardens. And this is just what John Mahoney did. During an evaluation one of the company’s owners had an idea. Why not let John Mahoney, a self-taught chainsaw artist turn one of the trees into a lasting tribute to the fallen due to our long term draught conditions, which have killed hundreds of trees throughout the city.
Mohoney sent to the city samples of his work and offered an unbeatable price -free to the city.
This sculptor began the unusual career 45 years ago, when his then 18-year-old dad started West Coast Arbiters in Orange County. He followed his dad into the family business and many years later, drew inspiration while watching a TV show about chainsaw artists.
He got to thinking “There is only so many pieces of firewood you can make. “he said. “At the intersection of power tolls and creativity. I found my path in life.”
The next time that you are in the park , or at the post office be sure to admire this wonderful sculpture (and the others that he has done for Ventura).
Chainsaw Sculpture
