With a growling chainsaw and propane torch, Justin Howland pulls sculptures out of hunks of wood. The Maple artist's work has drawn a steady following of both local residents and tourists who catch sight of his carvings as they drive along U.S. Highway 2. The pieces have found homes from Canada to South America. While many of them depict bears, eagles and other wildlife, Howland carves totem poles, human figures and specialty pieces as well.
It's both art form and recycling project. The logs he uses come from are salvaged from tree service companies, sawmills, logging operations and individuals who offer Howland and his wife, Tara, downed trees. Most of the works are made of white pine, which is dense enough to be strong, but still workable.
The Maple native comes from a family of artists. While working as a cement mason for Minnesota Building Trades, he started creating the sculptures for his yard as a hobby. Then people began stopping by, asking if they were for sale.
In 1999, Howland opened Grizz Works out of his home. The full-time business has had a steady stream of customers ever since.
"We've got a good location and a unique project and that keeps us busy," Howland said, estimating he creates on average one sculpture for each day he works.
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Thursday, the outdoor gallery was filled with one-of-a-kind carvings from Howland and fellow artist Jared Nelson. Curious bears peered at passers-by as they climb a log, a cougar crouched low, a pair of eagles rested on outstretched branches and a Native American man lifted his arm to the sky as he held his hand out to a bear cub.
"We try to incorporate a lot of movement into our pieces," Howland said, and they are always trying to improve. "We never settle for 'good enough.'"
Even when he was given a scant three-day warning, the artist produced an inspiring carving of a firefighter for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in the summer of 2009 when the television show featured the Oakland family of Howard and Jessica Huber. It is on permanent display at the Old Fire & Police Museum in Superior's East End. When the episode aired, Howland's work got national exposure.
"We did get some unusual calls from all over America," he said, including one prospective customer who wanted to commission a piece featuring Mickey Mouse. Howland turned that request down.
The artist's work ranges from six-inch carvings to 24-foot tall totem poles; his largest carving, a growling grizzly, weighs an estimated 3,000 pounds. And he has donated work to local benefits and fundraisers, including the upcoming Paws for the Cause" event for the Humane Society of Douglas County.
"We try to give back some to certain causes we believe in," Howland said. "We do a lot of benefits to help people having hardships." He also gives chainsaw sculpting demonstrations to art students in the Maple School District.
And about once a year, he and Nelson take part in chainsaw sculpture competitions. Howland placed second overall in the World Saw Competition in Minnesota. He also placed second in an Eagle River competition last weekend.
Although Howland enjoys pencil drawing and has thought about trying his hand at metal sculpture, the Maple man has found his niche in chainsaw art.
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"A lot of it for me is being able to create a massive sculpture out of a log," he said. "The possibilities are endless."
And it allows the family to work and live in Maple, nestled among the trees.
"We love it," Howland said.
For more information, stop by the outdoor gallery at 11547 E. U.S. Highway 2, near but across the highway from the Sundown Café, call (715) 363-2578 or e-mail grizzworks@cheqnet.net .
