The Partnership

The Tree Trunk Tour is a co-operative venture involving Tourism London, the City of London, STIHL Canada and the Woodfield Community Association (WCA) who initially developed the tree carving project. The first carving was requested by the WCA and with community support and fundraising activities, the first five trees were completed.

Recognizing the “walking tour” potential of tree carvings as public art, Tourism London became involved and with the support of STIHL Canada and the City of London, has developed a concentration of tree carvings primarily within the WCA boundaries.

STIHL Canada, a major manufacturer of chainsaws headquartered in London, has matched Tourism London’s financial contribution to the project and has also supplied each artist with equipment and clothing.

The Process

The Tree Trunk Tour demonstrates London’s love of trees and is enhancing its reputation as the “Forest City”. Two carvers (Robbin Wenzoski and Neil Cox) have created sculptures that, instead of being confined to an art gallery, are right out on public streets.

From tree stump to concept drawing and the final carving, it takes about four weeks to transform the tree into a sculpture. About 95% of the carving is done with chainsaws ranging in size from large blocking saws to delicate carving saws. Detailed finishing work is accomplished with chisels and power rotary tools. The artwork is usually painted or stained and then coated with automotive polyurethane enamel to preserve the wood against the weather.

The Artists

Robbin Wenzoski
Robbin was born in Golden, British Columbia and whether it was working in plywood plants, auto body shops or building log homes, Robbin has always worked with his hands. Moving to Ontario in the late 1980’s, Robbin continued to work around wood in both construction and carpentry. Over the past few years Robbin has become a master carver whose work has received national recognition. His focus has been chainsaw carving tree trunks, fine sculpture and performing live demonstrations. Robbin’s future plans include operating a carving school in Western Canada. Robbin currently resides in Embro, Ontario.

Neil Cox
Neil was born in Ingersoll, Ontario and has had an interest in working with wood early in life. At the age of 26, he was making furniture in Vancouver, and a few years later began carving wood. Neil is essentially self-taught, having apprenticed with Stefan Vinyarszky in North Carolina, and spending six months in Italy learning to carve marble. He has traveled widely, visiting sculptors and museums throughout North America and Europe in order to expand his artistic knowledge and ability. He has won several Best of Show awards at woodcarving shows across North America. His work is primarily figurative in style and often allegorical. Neil currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.