A chainsaw carver from Grunthal known for turning tree trunks into incredible works of art is now drawing attention for his latest creation: a nine-foot cedar polar bear commissioned by the Winnipeg Sea Bears basketball team.
Cornie Krahn, who carves under the name Kornelius the Karver, said this particular project took about a year and a half to complete. While he’s done everything from bears in hollow logs to vintage trucks, this sculpture stands out—not just for its size, but for its meaning.
“It’s kind of a memorial piece too,” said Krahn. This mascot is wearing a jersey with #33 on the back, a tribute to Chad Posthumus, the team's captain who passed away on November 20th, 2024.
Built from about 30 pieces of reclaimed cedar hydro poles, the massive polar bear had to be constructed first, then carved down to shape. Krahn said he couldn’t even get the full sculpture out of his shop until he removed the head. The final touches, including assembly and painting, were completed just days before delivery.
The Sea Bears polar bear is now standing proudly at a private residence on Lamont Boulevard, just off Wellington Crescent in Winnipeg.
More than a hobby
Krahn’s carving journey began a little over five years ago, starting with simple whittling knives while on a family vacation. When he got home, he told his wife he was going to try chainsaw carving—and he never looked back.
His first piece was a small bear holding a “Welcome” sign. That bear, which he affectionately calls his “roadie,” still travels with him to every show.
Krahn now regularly attends carving conventions across Canada and the U.S., not just to compete or sell pieces, but to learn and connect. He recently returned from an international carving event in Drumheller, Alberta, where he helped out other carvers by sharing tools and did some quick carving sessions.
“I always say it’s like a family gathering,” said Krahn. “Everybody wants everybody to win, even though we’re at a competition. You learn so much, and the people are amazing.”
Carvings that travel
His work has appeared far beyond the Southeast. One of his carvings, a stylized 1957 Chevy truck, caught the attention of someone from Roblin Ford, who now displays it in their showroom. He then commissioned Krahn for another carving, this one of his 1989 Mustang.
Krahn said the carving hobby has become self-sustaining—selling artwork helps fund trips, tools, and materials for future projects. At any given time, he said, he has 20 pieces on order.
“I just always put money away because I know which shows I kind of want to go to,” he explained. “It’s a passion that feeds itself.”
A heart for people
While Krahn’s art is impressive on its own, he said it’s the people he meets that make it truly rewarding. Whether he’s carving on-site at a mud bog in Grandview or helping international artists borrow tools in Alberta, Krahn says he sees the work as more than creative expression.
“I always say the Lord just gave me the talent to carve to get me to go to these chainsaw carvings,” he said. “I wouldn’t go there otherwise. The opportunities are just endless.”
-With files from Corny Rempel.