The Kookaburra at Memorial Park, Denman

Denman-based artist Mark Ray didn't take up chainsaw art until he turned 50—but his creative roots run deep. A lifelong drawer from a family of artists and carvers, Mark was especially influenced by his grandmother's detailed drawings of birds and wildlife. This artistic foundation translated seamlessly into his chainsaw work, which he took to with impressive skill, producing a growing body of sculptural pieces across the region. His creation, this larger than life kookaburra, was commissioned by Muswellbrook Shire Council and is a feature of the Denman Memorial Park. The park also offers a well-equipped children's playground and convenient amenities, including picnic tables and BBQ, making it an ideal place to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy a break—whether you're passing through or calling Denman home. Mark's process begins with sustainably sourced timber, often salvaged through local arborists. He never fells trees for his art. For this work, he used a single block of Diodora Cedar, estimated to be nearly 100 years old. He squares the base, sets the stump, and carves from the top down using only an image in his mind, refining as needed with an electric grinder. Due to the positive community response, Council has since commissioned two more native bird sculptures and is considering additional works for the Denman Nature Trail.