By Greg Ellison

(Sept. 16, 2021) White Horse Park resident Patricia Kelly got the community to take notice last weekend after commissioning chainsaw artist Jason Swain to transform a tree stump in front of 289 Woodhaven Ct. into a patriotic “Liberty Eagle,” displaying an American Flag.

“It’s in honor of front-line responders,” she said.

Kelly was acquainted with Swain’s output from art creations near his home base in Montgomery County.

Swain, who works a day job with public works in Kensington, also operates Billabong Art Studios as a sideline.

Before he began employing power tools to whittle trees into sculptures, Swain’s background was in fine art.

“I have been carving for about 12 years and have been painting for about 25 years,” he said. “Most of my work is commissioned privately and I have donated many pieces … over the years to various people, including military and law enforcement personnel.”

Outside of chain saw endeavors, Swain paints in two mediums, oil and coffee.

“I have statues in various areas around Maryland, New York and North Carolina,” he said. “The carving came later as a break from portraits and a love for all the different types of wood.”

Portrait work by Swain, a native to Australia, includes Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, two past U.S. Presidents and numerous sports personalities.

“I just finished an 18-foot oak tree stump that had a nine-foot woodpecker and eight-foot Hawk on it,” he said. “Then I did another big eagle statue for Seneca Valley High School up here in Germantown.”

Kelly said Swain transformed a roughly six-foot tree stump into the Liberty Eagle.

“The neighbors were pretty happy,” she said.

Before she enlisted Swain, Kennedy received approval from the White Horse Park Community Association to tear down limbs from the front-yard tree and create the woodcarving.

“Everybody seemed to be pretty pleased,” she said.

Swain began the project last Thursday and, after roughly 15 hours, completed the work on Saturday to major fanfare.

“They had a big picnic there,” he said. “I had a bunch of people stop by and they were getting pictures with it.”

Swain was quick to note the bulk of carving for the artwork was easily accomplished.

“The chainsaw does about 85 percent of the work,” he said.

Once the general shape was achieved, Swain cut in and ground down details and add paint to complete the piece.

“It’s all the little stuff that takes time,” he said.

Kelly, who hopes to lure Swain back to the Eastern Shore for future projects, plans to add a commemorative plaque to the Liberty Eagle soon.

“People are enjoying the view,” she said.