Chainsaw artist and wood carver
Shlomit Moria is a wood sculptor and chainsaw carver based in Warburton, Victoria.
A former graphic artist, Shlomit followed her lifelong passion for the three-dimensional medium of wood sculpture, establishing Bushwood Creations in 2015. She works primarily with reclaimed and salvaged timbers, creating both large-scale and intricate pieces that capture the spirit of Australia’s landscapes and wildlife.
“I love the way the wood dictates the piece – the little bit of unpredictability fascinates me and reminds me to let the magic do its thing without trying to control it. Wood is a living thing, and it is an honour sculpting with it.”
Since starting out selling through markets, galleries, and online shops, Shlomit has developed a strong reputation for both private and public commissions. Her work appears in playgrounds, public spaces, schools, and private collections. She has a distinctive way of bringing to life Australian animals, totem poles, and human forms, and is passionate about exploring form and texture with both finesse and boldness.
In 2023, she began running whittling workshops to share her love of wood and mindfulness with the public. These workshops have been highly successful, attracting participants from both rural communities and city audiences.
Shlomit holds a university degree in Graphic Art and is a member of the Association of Sculpture Victoria and Yarra Valley Arts. She regularly participates in the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, and her work has been exhibited in numerous group exhibitions, including the prestigious Yering Sculpture Prize.
She has carved out a unique niche as a female wood sculptor, drawing inspiration from her community, her travels in India – where she worked alongside stonemasons and Tibetan wood carvers – and the stories she sees in nature.
Selected Public & Private Works
(Most recent first)
2025
Windermere (Mirboo North) – Series of whittling and mindfulness workshops for a community affected by a severe weather event (5 workshops).
Diamond Creek East Primary School – Wall-mounted carving.
Wareen Primary School – Wombat sculptures.
Antonio Park Primary School – Animal sculpture commissions.
2024
Night Creatures – Totems at Nunawading Civic Centre, in collaboration with First Nations artist Lewis Wandin Brissl.
Balancing Rocks – CLT sculpture for Adina Southbank Hotel, Melbourne.
Indigenous Sculpture Trail – Antonio Park Primary School, Mitcham.
Ruffy Community House – Series of whittling workshops and an exhibition, bringing art to rural Victoria.
2023
‘Balance’ – Interactive exhibition with Sioux Dollman.
Life Cycle of the Golden Sun Moth – Public art for Hobsons Bay Council, depicting the moth’s eggs, larva bench, pupa bench, and totem.
2022
Live Demonstration – ‘A Balance Act’ – Created over two weekends at Gasworks, Melbourne.
Wattle Park – Welcome to Country piece (collaboration with a local First Nations artist) and playground sculptures.
2021
‘Warburtonians’ – Solo exhibition featuring sculptures of local people (lockdown project).
The Greythorn Trader Association – Six life-size figures representing local community members, past and present.
Lort Smith Animal Hospital – Three animal totems.
Amaroo Drive Reserve, Whittlesea – Wetland-themed totem.
2020–2021
Orana at Clyde North (Balcon Group) – Wombats, owl totems, and toadstools for a new housing estate.
2020
Jells Park, Wheelers Hill – Owl, possum, and crow totems.
City of Stonnington, Victoria Gardens – Pine cone, wombats, and mother-and-baby sculptures.
Emmanuel College, Altona North – Mother Mary sculpture carved from a dead stump.
2019
Jacaranda Reserve, Kilsyth – Large beetle sculpture.
Belgravia Leisure Yarrambat Golf Course – Three wombats for the mini golf course.
2018
Olinda Park Sculptures – Owl totems, toadstools, wombats, animal totems, and fairy houses.
Awards:
Art Almanac Award at the 2022 Annual Sculptors Victoria association Exhibition.
Quirky, carved rendering of wonderful everyday characters. Sense of person and humour in depiction. A contemporary work using traditional methods. An inhabitant of nature and urban folklore standing proud looking into the distance….and maybe the future.