Many community members have seen and heard about the phenomenal wood sculptures created by local wood carving artist Matt Giblet. If you haven’t, then please keep reading. What started as a guide towards the right artistic avenue has now transpired into a profession full of creativity that baffles customers and viewers passing by.
Matt begins each sculpted piece of art with his beloved chainsaw, before moving on to more precision woodcarving tools to create realistic, intricate details. Each wood sculpture he creates has its own character and personality. His creations include bears, dogs, lifelike figures, Native Americans, fish and other wildlife, and many more. Not only are his creations scattered about locally, but across and out of state.
“When I was younger, I was going through a lot of craziness and my mom put me in Evelyn Diffendaffer’s class- she’s an art teacher in Rocky. She told me I was more of a three-dimensional kind of guy and that I should try sculpting. I was about 13 or 14 years old at that time. Thirty years later here I am and boy, when you express yourself, some of your best work shows,” stated Matt.
One of Matt’s first commissioned statues is a bear that calls Casa Soto Restaurant in Weatherford home.
“After some stuff that had gone on in my life, I needed an outlet. I just picked up a chainsaw, got a big ole log and carved a bear. I had just carved that for something to do and the husband of the owner came out and bought it right off the truck. It’s still there with a welcome sign on it. That was my first commissioned piece in 2016. From there I started selling them and I didn’t stop.”
Out of close to 100 sculptures created, one in particular holds a special place for Matt. A few months ago Matt traveled to Vici, OK where he would create an astonishing lifelike sculpture of Jesus Christ at the First Christian Church.
“This is probably one of my favorite pieces. That sculpture really made an impact and got some attention. Javon Ali helped me some on that piece and it was his last one before he passed. It’s very meaningful to me.”
On Saturday, June 3, Matt will be present for a ribbon cutting ceremony that will take place in Vici at the First Christian Church.
Several Community members showcase their adored statues created by Matt in their yards and in their businesses. As mentioned, these remarkable wood carvings can range anywhere from spiritual sculptures to objects, mascots, 7’4” Clint Eastwood, to memorializing cherished pets.
“In March 2022, our dog, Oliver (aka Ollie) became sick with a rare blood infection and liver infection. He died during a blood transfusion. He was only four years old. We have grieved Oliver since his passing 14 months ago. My husband decided to surprise me with the wood sculpture of Oliver for our anniversary this year. He contacted Matt and sent him several pictures so he could see Oliver and his big personality. He chose the picture of Oliver walking on hay bales at our farm, which was Oliver’s favorite place to be,” commented Debra Hougland.
She continued, “Matt did an amazing job and put so much thought and care into making this beautiful piece. I literally cried when I saw it. I couldn’t be happier with this mazing tribute to our beloved fur baby! We have, and will continue to, recommend Matt to anyone who asks! It is so realistic. Matt is amazing!”
His most current piece, and also the biggest one to date, is a 9-foot-tall grizzly bear sculpted in black walnut weighing approximately 1800 pounds. After completing all the realistic details and staining to perfection, this sculpture will be taken to its forever home in Broken Bow, OK.
“You’ll never work a day in your life if you’re doing something you love. There’s nothing I would rather be doing. I love carving. You become inspired when someone loves what you’re doing. I’m my worst critic and I see all the flaws, and someone comes up and says wow that’s amazing. It’s a big deal. It never gets old. Big shout out to Robert and Tonya Venable for the space to create. They’ve been really good to me,” exclaimed Matt.
Those interested can usually find Matt carving a masterpiece around town East of the stop light near 152 Vapes or visit his website www.mattgiblet.com.