Meet Rob Banda, Owner of Rob’s Creations

“This work wasn’t even on my radar. I left a sales job and accidentally found this talent. I get inspired by watching another artist. Not just chainsaw artists but anything that is handmade. Nature, wildlife and outdoors inspire me the most.”

Rob Banda was born and raised in Texas. He has been carving for over 11 years. He never had any formal training in art and considers himself completely self-taught. He learned from trial and error and found that there were lessons within his mistakes and his successes.

Prior to being a chainsaw artist, Rob had a job in sales when he took a sabbatical and had a job chainsaw carving fall into his lap. That sabbatical turned into his full-time job.

“I guess my turning point would have to be taking on my first big project. Once I got that done, I pretty much felt like anything was possible. I still get nervous even with the smaller jobs, but it all works itself out in the end.”

Opening and running a business can be very stressful. Mia coped with a lot of caffeine and courage. Rob learned chainsaw carving through trial and error.

Rob is passionate about anything that gets him outside. He finds most of his inspiration in his family and friends. He feels he has plenty of support that pushes him to do bigger and better things. When asked which sculpture is his favorite, he said that his last one is always his favorite because he is always gaining skill and feels every sculpture gets better and better.

“I always feel connected to family and friends when they meet someone and show off my work, not because I ask them to but because they are proud of what I have accomplished and my progression in my art.”

Barton sees his apparel as more than just clothes. He sees these designs as a movement.Rob feels the best part of his work is meeting new people and seeing the reactions to his creations.

Passions and art go hand in hand for Rob. He begins by getting ideas from his customers and using those ideas for inspiration, he makes recommendations. He says the rest is up to the log he carves. If he finds himself in a rut, he closes shop and goes and sits on a beach. He says no phone, no worries and a few friends with some ice cold beers will clear that creative block easily.

“Every morning, I get to wake up, walk out my back door, watch the sun rise, sit and birdwatch, and just relax, sip my morning coffee, without worrying about a clock to run my life. I still have to ask myself how did I end up so fortunate to have a job that I love doing? It took me a long time to figure out I was killing myself for a job that would replace me in 2 minutes if I were to die. God has big plans for me, so I’m just following the path he is giving me.”

Rob’s art is unique, and people are usually amazed by what can be done with a chainsaw. Rob uses many different chainsaws to achieve his works of art including a 4ft chainsaw. He loves seeing people’s reactions to his creations.

In five years, Rob hopes to be training someone who has the same passion and love for art as he has. He wants to pass this art to a new generation. While he hasn’t found that student yet, he is hopeful they will come along one day. He also plans to still be carving for his clients and making appearances at festivals around the state of Texas. His Texas roots are very important to him and that is why Dickies is such a staple in his wardrobe.

“I’ve always worn Dickies because it is sturdy and dependable work wear. It’s also very comfortable. To me when Dickies says it’s Yours to Make it means no one can ever take away a skill, or a talent that you have. You are a one of kind person and you are here today for a reason. Your life is Yours to Make. Make it wonderful, make it special, make it meaningful, bring joy in what you do to other people. If you are reading this, I’m glad you exist.”

In Other News

Tree trunk takes on shape of Texas Barn Owl

During construction of the soccer and intramural fields on TWU’s former golf course, Facilities Management & Construction workers took great effort to protect the mature post oak trees that lined the west side of the fields.

“We even had to make revisions to the master plan so we could adjust the proposed field locations and protect the trees,” said Timothy Wentrcek, assistant director of building maintenance.

Despite their best efforts, a tree at the entrance to the soccer field became infected with the hypoxylon canker fungus and did not survive. Though disappointed, Wentrcek said, the FMC team had an idea.