Meet Trevor Rogers | Chainsaw Carver

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trevor Rogers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trevor, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I wouldn’t be where I am now if I haven’t taken risks. Risk is apart of my everyday job. Every time I start my saw and work on a log I risk not only my safety but I risk messing up what ever I am trying to make. I never know what is inside the log when I start (cracks, bark inclusions, metal and other things the tree might have grown around) and I have nothing but my vision and knowledge to help guide my cuts. The biggest part about taking risks is learning how to handle and resolve the situation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The road has been long, very long and goes on for as far as I can see. I started creating things out of wood when I was around 13 yrs old. My great grandfather was a woodworker who made furniture and many other things from wood. One the the things he enjoyed was hand carving animals. Due to his age he could no longer do his passion. I inherited a few carving chisels and not long after I got into woodturning. When I was 14 I owned my own custom wood pen business (Colorado custom pens). I didn’t start it expecting it to be a career. I just made so many things I just didn’t have room for more and wanted to sell to businesses. I did that for around 1-2yrs. When I was 16I first used a chainsaw for cutting wood into pieces so I could make bowls on my lathe. At first I hated it, I had the hardest time figuring out how to start and keep the saw running. After a couple years of messing around with it cutting wood for my lathe I started to get the hang of it. Around 18 yrs old I decided I wanted to try and carve something with my chainsaw. I new it was possible because I have seen people carve with it. I was very good at first but had lots of fun attempting to carving things. It took a couple years before I was even able to carve my first bear. Owls, trees, mushrooms, and pumpkins where what I carved mainly at first. I get such a satisfied feeling when I create something new that is pleasing to the eye to look at. Dedication and not being afraid of failures has helped me get to where I am today. When I mess up it lights a fire under me that doesn’t let me quit until I get it right. I am my own worst critic, and it has taught me how to work with myself better and how to always take time to do things right the first time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had friends visiting the area I would take them to Lory State Park and go out on the lake for the day. As far as food, Fort Collins has a lot of great restaurants and bars but I would recommend taking an out of towner to Odells Brewery or Pueblo Vejo which is downtown. Both have great drinks and great atmosphere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Family and friends I have met over the years have helped me get to where I am today.

Website: Www.tgrwoodworks.com

Instagram: trevor.r18