Carving the Phoenix

Chainsaw artist Ella Fielding created this phoenix sculpture for a school in Mitcham while the pupils were away on half term. Ella started carving ten years ago with the Tree Pirates, and she is now a full time sculptor and mother of two young children. As an artist, she thinks in 3D, and after some brief sketches to demonstrate her idea, Ella uses the form of the wood to guide her instinctively, working with the grain, the knots, any nails and rock pockets becoming part of the finished piece. You can see more of her work on Instagram @ella.fielding.sculptor.