Louie LaChusa

Nature Inspires Me

I’ve always had an eye for photography, color, and art. Over the years I’ve dabbled in digital art, colored pen and ink drawing, and acrylic painting. After moving to Western North Carolina I finally found my preferred medium: wood.

I enjoy taking a raw piece of wood and turning it into something special. I Iisten to each piece of wood as I begin carving, and the stump often tells me what it wants to become. I like to think I’m bringing the spirit of the wood to life in a new form. For that reason, I refer to my wood art pieces collectively as “good spirits.”

I take inspiration from nature.
I don’t try to replicate it.

I’m a chainsaw artist and woodcarver, but I don’t try to duplicate the animals I see in nature in my work. I take a more artistic approach. I allow the wood to speak to me and inspire me. I create whatever each piece of wood wants to become. My carvings are artistic representations. Each has its own personality and character. No two are alike. And, I don’t try to make them look realistic.