94
|
AUTUMN
|
EARLY WINTER
2016
If you’ve driven alongOsler Bluff Road recently,
youmay have noticeda congregation of animals along the
roadside. Bears, fish, owls, horses - even statelyBaldEagles.
No, it’snot awildlife reserve, or evenananimal crossing. It is
theworkof JasonDonnelly fromCollingwoodCarvers.
Jason has been craftingwildlife sculptures out of salvaged
wood for over ten years.What started as a hobby quickly
turned intoa full timeendeavour. “Carvinggot intomyblood”
says Jason. “Forme it’sa lifestyle, not a job.”
Originally from theBarriearea, Jason soldmuchof hiswork
inMuskoka,but itwas thebeautyof theEscarpmentandGeor-
gian Bay that attracted him toCollingwood.With a thriving
art scene, and support for local artists, Jason knew therewas
anopportunity for himself andhis family.
Eachnewpiecehashelped Jasonhonehisskills.Always learn-
ing, improving and trying new ideas, Jason has reached a
point where his carvings capture the true likeness of the ani-
mals fromwhichhedrawshis inspiration. “It’salwayschalleng-
ing. I’m trying to improve with each one – I’m striving for
realism” says Jason.
chipping away
WORDS & PHOTOS | CLAY DOLAN
ARTIST/CARVER, JASON DONNELLY
craf tsmanship
