For Tim Amos, chainsaw carving is a hobby that got out of control.

A self-taught carver, Amos started 15 years ago, just doing work for himself. Now he sells pieces locally and on eBay.

Amos said he's done artwork since high school and tree chainsaw carving is just another medium.

"There are a lot of painters and traditional artists, but with chainsaw carving, there aren't that many of us. That's what makes it unique," said Amos, of Rapid City.

Amos has been displaying his work and doing demonstrations at the Central States Fair for the past four or five years. This year, he's working on the largest piece he's ever done. It's a tree that sits between the creative arts building and horticulture building, across from the Knology stage.

And it's something Betty Gehrke of Black Hawk noticed right away as she walked into the fair.

"I'm so glad that it's stationary and it's going to be here forever," Gehrke said. "It's absolutely exquisite; I just love it."

Amos said carving eagles is his specialty, but he tries to do a wide variety of pieces, both realistic and caricatures. He said the best thing about chainsaw carving is that the work can be enjoyed by everyone.

"You get people from all backgrounds, ages; everyone seems to pick something out," he said.