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Photos by Jenny Schmalhofer/Contributing Photographer Wolf Creek resident Dan Sullivan demonstrates his artistic carving skills while entertaining. -
Dan Sullivan created a tribute to his inspiration, Scott Hanson, with a “Cowboy Bear” carving.
Wolf Creek Dan Sullivan, also known as “Chill,” is an artist. He doesn’t paint on canvas or work with clay, and his work doesn’t involve ceramics, photography or blacksmithing. Sullivan uses a chainsaw to create art.
In 2020, Sullivan and his wife, Jenny Schmalhofer, were traveling around the country in a van searching for work. They found a job offer in South Dakota near Mount Rushmore at a chainsaw-carving tourist attraction. They both applied for a job and were hired.
Sullivan learned his craft on the job. His job was to make a lot of noise and attract customers. So he started carving.
Schmalhofer learned everything about finishing and sales. They were employed at that location for two summers.
Sullivan’s prior experience with a chainsaw consisted only of cutting branches from a tree. The craft was learned by chance, and Sullivan had no idea that he had that kind of talent.
When asked if he had ever been hurt while carving, Schmalhofer said, “He’s never been hurt by the chainsaw, but he has had a few splinters.”
The pair originally met in 2009 in New Zealand while backpacking. They both worked at a hostel and art gallery named “Chill-A-While.” He was training her to take over his job as manager.
However, Sullivan never left, and the two became a couple. The pair moved into her van. They have traveled around the entire United States twice, with the exception of Alaska.
Their future plans include buying a school bus and transforming it into a camper van or recreational vehicle. Once the vehicle is complete, Sullivan wants to become a traveling chainsaw artist. They will then make that trip to Alaska.
Sullivan’s inspiration for his chainsaw art is Scott Hanson. Hanson is an artist living in Alaska with 30 years of experience. Sullivan hopes to one day train under Hanson. Sullivan has carved a “Cowboy Bear” with the letter “H” on the belt buckle as a tribute to Hanson.
Sullivan also enjoys hiking the Appalachian Trail. The couple enjoy their two fur babies.
He was born in 1986 in Kennesaw, Ga. He and Jenny have been married since 2017.
Sullivan’s chainsaw art can be found online on Facebook at Chill-A-While Chainsaw Carving, or in person at his gallery and gift shop at 16325 U.S. 64 W.
Sullivan also makes signs and his work is 100 percent locally handcrafted. If one stops by the art gallery on a nice day, they just may catch Sullivan doing a live demo. Keep an eye out for the airborne wood shavings.,,