Kevin Strauslin (Salem) is a chainsaw carver who follows his inspiration. He carves everything from bears and eagles to wizards and dragons. He also does quirky pieces that reflect his personality. Strauslin and one of his sons,Tyler Strauslin, work together at his shop, Oregon 3D Art and Chainsaw Sculptures, LLC.
Bio
Kevin Strauslin, a chain-saw carver, learned how to draw at a young age in his hometown of Rancho Cucamonga, California. As an adult, he fell in love with the area during a visit to his sister, who lived in Eugene, Oregon. That was in 1992. He and his family started out in Eugene and now call Salem home. In Salem, Strauslin worked for a drywall company, and he began creating 3-D art using drywall plaster and leftover wood from job sites. In 2008, Strauslin started chain saw carving with Neil Davis. Davis, an experienced chainsaw carver, was impressed with one of Strauslin’s fish sculptures, which he saw at a Eugene gallery. Strauslin apprenticed with Davis and quickly learned how to chainsaw carve. An enthusiastic learner, Strauslin carved his first bear in just a few minutes. Not long after, he began carving full-time and has done so ever since. Although he started out carving bears and benches, Strauslin now he carves whatever inspires him— everything from eagles to wizards and dragons as well as quirky pieces that reflect his personality. Walks in the woods also inspire him. His biggest love is carving people and other figures with intricate details. Strauslin’s most challenging piece was a life-size naturalistic carving of a crucifix, which now stands outside Messiah Lutheran Church in Salem. Kevin Strauslin also mentors community members interested in chainsaw carving. He also enjoys building furniture and cabinets in his spare time and uses furniture techniques like dado joints in his carving. He sells his work and that of family members in his Salem gallery.
