MORGANTON — The next time you’re out on the Catawba River in Burke County, keep your eyes peeled for an 11-foot bear. Don’t be alarmed, though — his name is Brazen Bear and he’s totally harmless.
He’s actually a monumental chain saw carving crafted by local artisan Chris Markey, who’s turned his love for woodworking into a family business: Markey & Son Woodcraft and Carving.
“I’ve been carving my entire life, specifically with knives and chisels. Also, growing up, my family’s business offered custom painted and carved signs,” said Markey. “We used power tools such as routers for that purpose. Although I had used chain saws for mundane wood cutting, I was inspired to combine my experience of carving with knives and power tools with chain saw art in 2022. From there, I cultivated my own style and the methods that can currently be seen in my work.”
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Today, he makes everything from signs and functional pieces to sculptures of dogs and domestic animals. His specialty, however, is woodland animal figures, including bears, owls and eagles.
“I’m originally from rural Michigan, where there is a strong logging and outdoors culture. However, it’s my current Blue Ridge surroundings that inspire much of my work,” he said. “Not only does the Blue Ridge region offer one of the most dynamic craft industries in the world, but it’s also home to breathtaking scenery and natural wonder. That’s why much of my work is woodland inspired.”
While the beauty of the world around him is often what sparks his creativity, technical skills and business acumen gleaned from prior work experience lend to his entrepreneurial drive.
“I’ve worked in positions that involved CNC machining, hazardous materials, industrial chemicals and heavy machinery. I also worked as a quality technician for an automotive OEM manufacturer,” he said. “I not only learned the value of consumer relations and product quality management, but also lean management and Six Sigma methodologies that have helped me as a small-business owner.”
Markey said he also owes much of his knowledge and experience to the mechanical engineering technology program at Western Piedmont Community College.
While the technical aspect of the work has its place, it seems the creative process is what moves him the most.
“I believe art is 10% talent and 90% inspiration. It’s for this reason that I look for inspiration all around me,” said Markey. “Much of what I observe is the natural creation we are so blessed to enjoy right here in Burke County. I’m also inspired by traditional Scandinavian carving styles, such as the work of the artist Emil Janel.”
Having earned his stripes growing up in the business, Markey keeps the entrepreneurial spirit alive by bringing his own family along for the ride.
“It truly is a family business. Not only do I work from my home-based shop, but my family participates in operations regularly,” he said. “My son Roy does his fair share of cleaning, organizing, and preparing logs to earn his title as apprentice. My wife Samantha manages sales, client relations and coordinates many project details.”
His first chain saw carving was a small magnolia wood bear, a precursor to the aforementioned totem pole that can now be seen from the Catawba River.
“The 11-foot monument is currently on display in Glen Alpine and is a replica of a genuine Tlingit bear representation,” said Markey.
Although he says it’s impossible to choose a favorite from among the pieces he’s created so far, he’s also partial to his comical Bigfoot sculptures.
To any artists out there feeling inspired to step out on their own adventure, here’s what Markey had to say:
“My advice to anyone interested in pursuing arts or crafts professionally is to focus on a healthy blend of originality and commissioned designs,” he said. “If you can, work with galleries and boutiques, because they can teach you about business, pricing, sales and consumer trends. Also, reach out to your local arts council for networking, resources and opportunities.”
So where can we expect to see his work around town?
Markey says he’s currently working with both the Gear Garage and the Burke Arts Council to bring some of his work into downtown Morganton.
In the meantime, anyone interested in seeing his art can connect with him online at www.markeywoodcraft.com, follow him on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/markeywoodcraft/ or watch his work in action on YouTube.
