Hebrides - Wood Carving by Lisa McKenna

A handmade carving of island seascape, with mountains, sea and pink sky. Created by local artist Lisa McKenna from local beech wood. 

Based in the artist studio at the back of Calgary Art Gallery, Lisa uses a chainsaw and chisel to carve her pieces, which she then accentuates with colour during her unique finishing process, involving layering of colours, sanding and wax. ,

Lisa lives just up the road from Calgary and draws inspiration from the island's views for her wood carvings.

In her spare time Lisa enjoys collecting and drying flowers to create dried flower arrangements. She recently grew and dried a huge amount of flowers to be used in the Bafta Award Winning TV series, 'Designing the Hebrides'. Scotland's Home of the Year Judge and Interior Designer, Banjo Beal asked Lisa to provide the flowers to create a bespoke hanging flower ceiling display, for the make over of an apothecary on the Isle of Harris. 

ARTIST BIO

Lisa McKenna, Wood Carver

Originally from Glasgow, Lisa began her travels at 19, living in France, Australia and Ireland for many years. In 2003, Lisa arrived at Calgary to work a summer season in the Café, en route to the Alps. Lisa was given a chisel and some wood and encouraged to try carving, first starting with a sea horse. Working in the studio alongside Matthew, Lisa developed her wood carving skills and more than 20 years later, she is still here, living locally and with her carving studio here at the Gallery. We are proud to exclusively sell Lisa's original artworks and represent her.  

Using local hardwoods, elm, ash, sycamore and monkey puzzle, Lisa carves with a chainsaw and chisels. Her original sculptural pieces are inspired by her environment and the changing seasons.