NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
Chainsaw artist Marina Cole works on the last of three pieces of interactive wood art she has created at Central Park. Cole is set to finish up the final piece Monday, Oct. 28.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
A few years ago, Marina Cole hadn’t really experimented with chainsaw art.
Fast forward to 2019 and she is the chainsaw lady.
“A few years ago, I wasn’t able to participate in taekwondo one day, but someone had brought this dragon back from Japan and it just mesmerized me,” she said. “I kept thinking about this dragon and I eventually decided to pick up some tools to make art with wood.
“Now we’re here.”
Cole has worked on chainsaw art around Medicine Hat and in a number of areas outside of the city.
Right now she has a number of different projects on the go, one of which includes four different sculptures in Central Park.
“On Monday I’ll be finishing up the third of four pieces at Central Park,” she said. “The fourth one I’m still considering a few different ideas for – once I finish the third one I’ll have a better idea of what I’ll do.”
Cole says she brings ideas of what each piece will look like, but likes to make changes as she goes.
“Once I start working on a piece, then ideas really start to come to me,” she said. “I used to live in the area, so I know the park. When you spend so much time there over the course of a few weeks, you really get a good idea of the park and what people are using it for – that in itself is a lot of inspiration.
“Other times you’re working and you uncover rot – then you have no choice but to change your plans.”
On top of creating one-of-a-kind art, Cole is also able to find new purpose for dead trees.
“Once they’re gone, I’m able to use what’s left behind to create something special,” said Cole, who works under the name Chainsaw Spirit. “If the trees have to come down, it’s nice that I’m able to help keep them alive.”
The pieces are interactive and allow for photo opportunities for families – something Cole always loves to see.
“It’s hard to describe,” she said. “It just makes me so happy to see people enjoying the art and making memories.
“It’s really inspiring for me and can make the really tough projects even more worth it.”
