Carve Carrbridge celebrated it’s 21st birthday on Saturday 31st August with a bit of stargazing!
Sylvia Itzen from Hamburg lifted the coveted Claymore Trophy with her unique carving titled ‘The Windy Stargazer’.
Sylvia said the inspiration for her little man – looking to the skies, attempting to hold on to his hat and not knowing whether to open his umbrella or not – was somewhat ironic given the blue skies and temperatures of more than 20 degrees in the Highland village of Carrbridge.
Only the second woman to win Carve Carrbridge in its 21 year history, an emotional Sylvia was both shocked and delighted given the other incredible wooden sculptures that were created in this four hour chainsaw carving race!
Sylvia said:
“I can’t believe it, I want to cry I am so happy to be here and win this wonderful competition.
“I hope that I am an inspiration to all women who want to do this.
“It really doesn’t matter if you are a big man or a small woman, what is important is that you have a feeling for making wooden sculptures and a healthy respect for the chainsaw!”
With only four hours to create something truly special from an 8ft log, the end results are judged on artistic merit, technical difficulty, and originality.
Sylvia added:
“When you arrive in the morning, the log isn’t maybe what you were expecting so you have to be creative and dynamic and be able to adapt your design – I’m so glad it has worked out for me today and I hope that I can return next year.”
Joining Sylvia on the winners podium for this 21st Scottish Open Chainsaw Carving Competition were:
- 2nd place was Raimondas Uzdravis with ‘I’m Born in Loch Ness’, who also won The Peoples Choice and The Carvers Choice.
- 3rd place was former winner Sam Bowsher with ‘Pheasant Plucker’.
- And Best New Entrant was Julian Carter with ‘Snake Eyes’.
Commenting afterwards, chief judge and local artist Rona Kant said it was and extremely difficult decision for the judges.
She said:
“I have been judging at Carve Carrbridge for many years and this was definitely the hardest yet – the standard across the field was truly fantastic, the results were extremely close, what a way to celebrate 21 years.”
Once the 4 hour carve is completed, there’s no rest for the 20 carvers on the field who then have to produce another mini masterpiece in the 30 minute quick carve competition.
Gavin Gerrard Event Coordinator said:
“It has been an absolutely incredible day – the carvers have completely blown us all away with their fantastic creations and it feels like summer finally arrived, albeit late!
“Carve Carrbridge continues to go from strength to strength thanks to a dedicated band of volunteers and generous local sponsors who continue to support the event.
“It is an incredibly important day in the village calendar with all monies raised going straight back into the community to fund a variety of local projects from path maintenance to our young persons bursary scheme.”
More than 3,000 spectators attended Carve Carrbridge over the course of the day – all enjoying this annual village gala day with a difference.
