FAMILY SAWS ART AT FAIR

Stacey Robinson takes logging rejects and turns them into works of art.

Robinson carves everything from eagles to ears of corn out of timber rejected by logging companies.

Sometimes the logs can't be used because of a knot or bad spot that won't affect Robinson's work as a chain-saw carver. "I think it's a better use," he said.

By taking the rejected logs, it means they aren't just left to rot. He uses oak, walnut and cedar to carve his creations because the woods split infrequently and have a better quality grain.

Robinson and his family perform chain-saw-carving shows each afternoon at the SEMO District Fair. Their creations will be auctioned at 4 p.m. Saturday with proceeds benefiting the fair. This is the first year the Robinson Carving Co. has performed at the fair.

The carved pieces are awarded to the highest auction bidder, and there is no minimum bid since "nobody knows what they are worth," Robinson said. But he admits it's probably cheaper to buy them at the auction than directly from him.

It only takes the Robinsons about a half hour to carve out their creations. Some projects, like cigar store Indians, take a little longer.

After 35 minutes of constant carving with a variety of chain saws, Robinson had created a horse late Tuesday afternoon. His 16-year-old son Travis carved a tractor complete with treads on the tires.

A crowd of about 50 people gathered during the Tuesday afternoon show to watch as the two men chipped away at the wood. Some stayed throughout the entire show while others wandered over to see what the buzz was all about.

The duo stopped occasionally to blow away sawdust or turn the log so they could carve details on another side. With each turn or roll, the audience got a better look at the work.

But it isn't the artwork or technique that actually draws the most questions after a show. "People always want to know how we can hold the chain saw up for that long," Stacey said.

He typically starts with the biggest blade and gets the basic shape for his carving. What he creates depends on his mood that day. There are some staple carvings that make every fair circuit, he said.

"There are certain items that we know will sell well," he said. Objects like bears, eagles and cowboys or western gear are always popular.

Once Robinson decides what he's carving and pares down the log, he switches to a medium-sized saw blade for most of his work. That saw is lighter and easier to maneuver, he said, while still being powerful enough for the carving job.

A smaller saw with a custom bar is used on finishing touches like eyes and hair.

Typically, Robinson takes 10 or 12 saws with him when he travels. Tuesday afternoon, he and Travis used seven saws for their carvings.

But carving with a chain saw wasn't Stacey Robinson's first hobby. He and wife, JoAnne, were both woodcarvers who liked to hand carve their art.

When Stacey attempted a large project, he decided to create the basic shape with a chain saw. But then he wanted a challenge and used the saw just to see how it would work for carving. That was eight years ago, and Robinson has been chain-saw carving ever since.

Over the years he has done everything from a 10-foot flamingo to a pole covered with carvings of wolves. But his favorites are always western gear and cowboys. His first carving was of a cowboy.

Robinson takes special orders and requests of fairs where he's performing. By week's end the family will have carved 28 to 30 items that will be sold at auction.

The SEMO District Fair is the last fair of the season for the Robinsons, who will return home to Montgomery City. They perform at weekend festivals and demonstrations for chain-saw companies throughout the year.

FAIR SCHEDULE

TODAY

10 a.m. -- Senior activities

1 p.m. -- Senior hitch challenge

2 p.m. -- All Stars Band

5:30 p.m. -- Baby boys contest

7 p.m. -- Truck pull

THURSDAYNoon -- Tractor rodeo4: 30 p.m. -- Livestock sale6 p.m. -- Classy Chassy Country8 p.m. -- Terri ClarkFRIDAY10 a.m. -- Youth activities5 p.m. -- Gymnastics6:15 p.m. -- Smile contest6:30 p.m. -- Saw contest7 p.m. -- Square dancers8 p.m. -- Billy Ray Cyrus

SATURDAY8 a.m. -- Antique tractor pull8:30 a.m. -- Public speaking contest10 a.m. -- Recipe contest10:30 a.m. -- Livestock parade11:30 a.m. -- Quarter scramble1 p.m. -- Poultry, rabbit dress-up contest2 p.m. -- Fiddlers contest2 p.m. -- Pee wee showmanship3 p.m. -- Ag adventure4 p.m. -- Pedal tractor pull4:30 p.m. -- Country and western dancing6 p.m. -- Desert Rain Band8 p.m. -- Waylon Jennings