About the Program

In 1997, wood carver Kevin Gilders completed a residency at the Donvale campus. Using a chainsaw and working on redgum stumps, Kevin carved several figures of children depicting activities at Donvale. After final finishing by the students, the figures were installed in the grounds near the facilities to which they related: a musician near the Music School, a child carrying books near the Library, and so on.

Kevin was the focus of much attention at Open Day when he worked on the carvings. So skilled was he with his chainsaw that he was able to bring great delicacy to the figures and to the expressions on their carved faces.

About the Artist

Kevin Gilders is a woodcarver and chainsaw artist known for creating expressive sculptural works from large timber stumps. Working primarily in redgum, he has produced figurative carvings that depict children engaged in everyday school activities, often designed for installation in educational and community settings.

Gilders' work combines bold, rapid shaping techniques with fine detailing, resulting in pieces that retain a strong sense of character and delicacy in facial expression.

His sculptures are typically installed in situ, positioned to reflect their subject matter and surroundings, encouraging interaction between the artwork, the landscape, and the community.