Meet the Carvers
James Elliott
Hamilton
​James is a professional wood sculptor from Glasgow. Based just outside Hamilton, he has been carving full time since 2019.
He is particularly fond of wildlife sculptures, historical subjects and pet portraits, whether they are trees still rooted in the ground or free standing sculptures, with an emphasis on capturing the unique details and expressions of his subjects.
You can see his recent public sculptures at Strathclyde Country Park & Palacerigg Country Park, Luss Fairy Trail, Brechin Castle, and multiple sites across Northern Ireland.
You can see more of his work on:
Www.jesculpture.com
@jesculpture (instagram)
@jewoodsculpture (TikTok)
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PETE BOWSHER
Moffat
Pete a quiet man by nature is probably one of the original carvers in UK and arguably the Grandfather of chainsaw carving here.
He has carved all over UK and into Canada and USA.
Without doubt Pete is the one person who has promoted Chainsaw Carving in this country.
He has demonstrated many times at the Royal Highland Show in Ingliston.
Here is your chance to see a master at work.
ALICE BUTTRESS
Carrbridge
https://www.carrbridgestudios.com
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Alice Buttress is an established Chainsaw Carver and Ceramic Artist based in the highland village of Carrbridge in the Cairngorms National Park. She has been carving since 2005 when she first took part in Carve Carrbridge and has competed there nearly every year since then. She has also competed regularly in the A.P.F. European Chainsaw Carving Championships and has taken part at Garnock Valley Carves every year since it began. She also appeared in the BBC Scotland series 'Loggerheads' as part of a team of three woodworkers competing in various forests in Scotland. Her work can be seen at Carrbridge Artists Studio along with artwork by her Artist husband Jeff and her Ceramic Artist daughter Amy.
Alice has the dubious honour of usually being the oldest carver competing but has no plans to retire yet.
Website: https://www.carrbridgestudios.com
DANNY THOMAS
Hereford
www.thomaschainsawcarvings.co.uk
As well as timber structures and wooden buildings, we can also create themed, wooden sculptures and carvings for the natural environment. Wooden animal carvings are, in particular, a specialty and we have experience in creating realistic wooden sculptures, as well as themed benches and seating that incorporate carvings into their design.
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DAVE ROBERTS
Stonehaven ‘Welsh’
I started carving about 11 years ago after seeing the workshop of Simon O’Rouke, one of the world’s top carvers. I was amazed at what can be created with a chainsaw and decided to ‘have a go’ a while later. Having started with simple pieces I gradually progressed to more complex sculptures and started entering shows and competitions. I am still a part-time carver but I have carved in the USA, I competed at Carve Carrbridge and Woodfest Wales many times, I have competed at the English Open and won my class at The Best of British competition in 2021. I have competed at Garnock Valley Carves since its inception and took 3rd place in 2022. Originally from North Wales, I am now based outside Stonehaven in N.E. Scotland.
MIKE BURGESS
Cheshire
I am a professional wood sculptor and I have followed in a family tradition of wood carving. My carvings are made using mainly chainsaws and power tools from trees and logs which are locally sourced by tree surgeons in the area. My work ranges from small pieces 2 feet high to very large bespoke pieces and includes owls, dogs, badgers, foxes, rocking horses, tree houses and garden benches. I have clients throughout the UK, including some famous names. I regularly demonstrate and exhibit at shows around the country.
I took first place at Garnock Valley Carves in 2022
SHANE GREEN
Instagram "shanegreenart"
Yorkshire
I started carving in stone as a teenager at Birmingham Art College,UK….taught art in a high school ever since and first used a chainsaw at Ridgeway Rendezvous PA a decade ago and been hooked ever since.
Most of my carvings are in public places and I enjoy taking the craft of direct carving to the general public when ever I can.
I have done all the European Championships since 2012 after I had gone down and carved 17 sculptures in 17 days in London parks for London 2012 Olympics free of charge, must have been mad then!
Since then I have done the English Championshios three times, Sandringham Cup three times and Carrbridge last year.
RONI MACDONALD
Oban
RONI’s Chainsaw Art is a showcase of my work which began in the mid nineties after seeing a geometric piece by another carver. My early pieces followed that abstract theme gradually developing into more representative work creating unique bespoke pieces which may not be technically accurate but hopefully depict motion and or attitude. I have taken part at Carvecarrbridge since it’s inception 20yrs ago and GVC last year. I undertake commissions either freestanding or in customers garden stump/s and demonstrate at various events. I use only chainsaws.
SIMON ARCHER
Liverpool
www.instagram.com/simon.archer
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Simon Archer is a wood sculptor based within the National Trust reserve, on the coast at Formby, near Liverpool.
Since finishing his degree in Fine Art, Simon has worked as a sculptor for over 25 years and has exhibited in the UK and Europe. Today, he predominantly carves beautiful works of art with chainsaws.
"Most of my work is commissioned, so subject matter and styles can vary from figurative to abstract, three dimensional to bass relief."
Although primarily working from his studio, commissions he has undertaken over the years have taken him all over the UK, Europe and the USA.
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CRAIG "STEELEY" STEELE
Dundonald
​Instagram "Steele Carvings"
Steeley, based in Dundonald, Ayrshire, is a practicing Arborist of over 20years. Carving was just an alternative to all the firewood, that was produced from tree surgery, making use of such attractive timber.
Carving at his first event, Carve Carrbridge in 2013, led onto the European at APF and then several others in the UK. Carving alongside international carvers led to invites abroad, including events in USA and Germany, making lifelong friends as a result.
Having a keen interest in British wildlife has been the main source of inspiration for his carvings. However, he delights in unusual requests for something different to expand his repertoire. A most notable carving project he had the pleasure of collaborating on was the World war sculptures in Rozelle Park, Ayr.
Private, community and public commissions are all welcome.
My instagram account is "Steele Carvings".
SYLVIA ITZEN
Germany
https://www.chainsaw-woodworks.de
This world renowned wood carving artist is easily one of most out of the box carvers out there. Her exceptional creativity with sculpting has put her at the top of her game. Her beautiful portfolio of work covers wildlife, imaginative and playful figurative work and mind bending abstracts. There is no wonder she is a member of the Stihl carving team Germany.
Sylvia has a background in draftsmanship, painting and stone carving. Inspired by the works of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. She now has 20 years experience as a chainsaw carver.
She has travelled the world with her art and participated in countless events, symposiums and competitions. Her achievements to name a few, 1st place at the first ‘zero emissions’ speed carving cup in Toei, Japan in 2019.
2020 winner of the team speed carving Blockhausen cup in Mulda, Germany.
2021 winner of the Peoples Choice Team at Blockhausen with Red Riding Hood. There is a post about this piece further down our page.
This is a true artist working with chainsaws. Take some time to look through her work and be inspired by her career as a world class chainsaw carver.
IAN WILLIAMS
Wales
Ian
Lives in Flint Mountain, Flintshire North Wales with his wife, he has two grown up children.
Born 1962 in Prestatyn North Wales
Whilst growing up spent all his weekends and school holidays on his grandfather’s farm in Ruthin were he learnt the skill of using a chainsaw, supervised of course !!!
In 1986 Ian joined the Fire Service and followed in his fathers footsteps who had been a fire fighter for27 yrs. Ian spent 30 years in the fire and rescue service and continued to maintain his chainsaw skills during this time.
Woodfest Wales had always been an interest for Ian and he attended each year to study the carvers working as his interest grew. In 2012 he decided to try carving for himself and made a number of small chairs which he gave to relatives.
Studying the internet and books Ian tried to improve his carving technique and continues to do so. The recognition of someone wanting to pay money for his work inspired him to continue and practice further.
He bought another saw and a carving bar and used his days off to carve, part time carving became Ian’s hobby.
Ian now has changed careers and is carving on a fulltime basis. He considers himself to be a novice in comparison to most carvers here in the UK but is continuing to improve with each carving produced.
This will be Ian’s third year carving here at Beith.
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KASPIAN ASKHAM
Wales
I'm Kaspian Askham (Kaspian's Carvings), 24 years old from mid Wales. I picked up chainsaw carving at the age of 12 as a hobby, now sculpting been my full time job for the last 6 years. I generally carve wildlife sculptures, particularly birds of prey.
This is my first time carving at Beith
CHRIS MACDONALD
Oban
Hi I am Chris Macdonald 38 from the west coast town of Oban. I have worked as a tree surgeon for 20 years and created the occasional wood carving along the way. Creating rustic furniture is what I enjoy the most. This will be my first attempt at a carving competition.