Chainsaw champs show their artistic side
Carvers travel across world for annual sculpture competition
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MIGHTY pine trunks were transformed into beautiful sculptures by chainsaw-wielding artists at a popular annual competition in the Highlands on Saturday.
Chainsaw carvers from throughout the world were at Carrbridge, in Strathspey, for this year’s Scottish Championships.
Each competitor was given just four hours to carve an 8ft block of wood.
Among this year’s participants was five-times winner and defending champion Pete Bowsher, of Moffat. However, he failed to retain the title, with the top trophy going to American Bob King, from Edgewood, Washington, for his spectacular depiction of a cougar.
Mr King said: “I normally pick an animal I like and then practise carving it for a year.
“With my carving I wanted it to have emotion and for people to remember the carving when they walk away.”
He added: “The four-hour carve makes you step out of your confidence box. You don’t think – just carve. It is amazing what you can do.
“I can’t draw, I can’t paint, but I have a vision of a carving.”
Mr King has pledged to return to defend his title at next year’s event.
