About Matt and Giblet Art

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Matt’s love of sculpture began in his teens when a local art teacher, Evelyn Diffendaffer, noticed he had a talent for three‑dimensional work and encouraged him to try carving. He made his first pieces at just 13–14 years old and, thirty years later, still expresses himself through the art of chainsaw carving.  What started as an outlet in a challenging time has become a lifelong passion and profession.

From First Carving to Professional Artist

In 2016, Matt picked up a chainsaw, carved a bear from a log for fun, and set it in the back of his truck.  A restaurant owner from Casa Soto spotted the bear, bought it on the spot, and commissioned him for more sculptures.  That moment launched Giblet Art.  Since then he has created nearly a hundred sculptures that decorate homes, yards and businesses across Oklahoma and beyond.

Passion & Process

Every piece begins with his beloved chainsaw to rough out the form.  He then switches to finer tools to add lifelike details, giving each carving its own personality.  Matt carves everything from bears, dogs, Native Americans and wildlife to fish and mythical figures.  He welcomes custom requests and works from photos or ideas, no two sculptures are ever the same.

Notable Works & Favorite Pieces

-Spiritual & Community Art:  Matt’s favorite project is a lifelike statue of Jesus Christ he carved for the First Christian Church in Vici, Oklahoma.  The work is especially meaningful because his friend Javon Ali assisted on the piece, the last project Javon worked on before he passed away.  

- Iconic Animals & Figures:  He has carved a 7’4” Clint Eastwood for a local business, mascots for area schools, and dozens of beloved bears and cardinals.  His largest piece to date is a nine‑foot‑tall grizzly bear carved from black walnut, weighing around 1,800 pounds, soon to take up residence in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

- Memorials & Pets:  Matt often memorializes beloved family pets.  One client, Debra Hougland, lost her dog Oliver to a rare illness.  She sent Matt photos and he carved an extraordinary likeness of Oliver walking on hay bales, the dog’s favorite place.  Debra says she “couldn’t be happier” with the tribute and recommends Matt to everyone.

Loving the Work

For Matt, carving is more than a job, it’s a calling.  He believes, “You’ll never work a day in your life if you’re doing something you love,” and he never tires of seeing people’s amazement when they view his finished pieces.  He acknowledges the support of friends and family, especially Robert and Tonya Venable, who provided space for him to create.

What Makes Matt's Work Different

- Hand carved:  No mass production, every sculpture is carved by hand with a chainsaw and detailed tools.

- Built to last:  Each piece is designed for durability with finishes suitable for indoor or outdoor display.

- Custom designs:  We create from photos, sketches or your imagination; memorials are treated with care and respect.

- Personal service:  You’ll work directly with Matt from concept to completion.  He can often be found carving live near the stoplight by 152 Vapes in Cordell for those who want to watch the process.

Serving Southwest Oklahoma & Beyond

Based in Southwest Oklahoma, Giblet Art serves Lawton, Duncan, Chickasha, Medicine Park, Cache, Elgin, Altus and the surrounding area.  Matt happily travels for on‑site stump carvings and ships smaller pieces nationwide.  

Ready to create a one‑of‑a‑kind carving? Get in touch and let’s bring your idea to life.