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Making cuts and leaving his mark, chainsaw artist continues to pursue the craft

By day, Jared Welcome is a teacher at a correctional facility. But, in his spare time, he brings a steady hand to a unique craft.

SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — It’s an interesting job title: Chainsaw Artist.

But it’s one that Jared Welcome has embraced since he began his carving journey about eight years ago.

Welcome is the owner, operator, and very steady hand behind Jare Bear Chainsaw Carvings.

“Art comes in many different forms and mediums and this just happens to be my expression of art,” he explained.

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Welcome, during the daytime, is a teacher at a correctional facility in Suffield. After hours, he is dedicated to his trusty chainsaw and travels across the state – and region – to create works in both public spaces and private places.

“This was supposed to be a hobby,” Welcome said, “Then it started taking off.”

Right now, Welcome is working on a massive, two-story wildlife sculpture that features carvings of an eagle, an owl, and a bear for a brand-new home in Southington.

“The carvings are just to bring a general umbrella of happiness,” Welcome said. “People go home and now it’s something different, something to talk about different than what’s in the news and what’s going on in the world today.”

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Welcome said he has a busy summer season ahead and remarked that the most rewarding part of his talent is the uniqueness of it.

“The best part of carving is the challenge – it’s not just physically exhausting, but it’s mentally tiring,” he said.

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To learn more about Jare Bear Chainsaw Carvings, click here

Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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