When a service station owner on the Queensland Sunshine Coast asked Matty G to carve him a possum out of wood, little did he know it was the start of something big. Source: ABC Rural
Since then the staunch nature advocate and former tree maintenance man has made 50 animals out of wood using just a chainsaw.
He recycles fallen timber to carve his creations, including a two metre long lungfish requested by the community at a recent multicultural festival.
The task requires stamina, a good memory, and confidence, but Matty said the main skill originates at home with demanding children.
“You lose the plot with them and then you realise they don’t give up and they love you no matter what, and you develop patience,” he said.
Matty takes the time with his carvings to include details that matter, sometimes staring at photographs for a long time to burn an image into his mind.
He initially learned how to pay attention to detail by staring at bees feeding on pollen in his childhood garden.
“I’ve learned the art of taking my time and everything works out anyway,” he said.
When asked about the strangest requests he’s taken, he says ‘bum-crackstools’ would be one
“They’re a lot of work,” he explained. “The bum crack’s fine, but when you take a log that’s round, it’s 1.2 metres high, and turn it into a bar stool, I’d prefer to go out and buy a bum-crack-stool overseas.”
One of the wackiest carvings he’s working on will immortalise his local butcher, depicting him holding up two bunches of sausages.
