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In the small town of Scandinavia, Wisconsin, amidst the warmth of the August Corn Roast event, I found myself captivated by the rhythmic buzz of Dan Hartley's chainsaw. Positioned near a massive log, Dan worked his magic, transforming the ordinary wood into a masterpiece. The challenge of wielding a chainsaw to sculpt art seemed daunting, yet Dan's precise strokes revealed a vision coming to life. Two bears emerged — one engrossed in a book, the other watching with keen eyes. The scent of freshly carved wood lingered in the air as onlookers marveled at Dan's skill. The creative woodworking techniques were evident in every detail. The bears' fur, the book's pages, each intricacy spoke of dedication and talent. Prices for such unique carvings may range, but that afternoon, the true value was in witnessing the birth of art from a roaring chainsaw. Transforming the photo into an abstract image was much in keeping with the chain etched art itself, transforming Dan into his own artwork.

After dedicating five decades to print publishing and photojournalism, primarily in newspapers, I've embarked on a captivating journey to capture the vibrancy of Wisconsin's nature and the enchanting beauty of its woodlands and prairies through the lens of fine art photography and paintography. Through my work, I aim to narrate the stories of what I see and experience during my photographic endeavors. As a proud member of the Photographic Society of America, the Wisconsin Professional Photographers Association, and the Focal Point Camera Club, I've had the privilege of showcasing my work, mainly centered around Central Wisconsin, in various art shows. It's incredibly gratifying to see my pieces earn ribbons and secure top positions in...