Styrian Summer Art: Carving wooden sculptures with a chainsaw

In this workshop, we will learn the technical and artistic handling of the chainsaw by creating a sculpture.

On the first day, we will choose a piece of wood (approximately one meter high) and prepare our workspace. There will be loaner equipment (small chainsaws with carving bars) and protective gear available in case participants do not have their own. We will also discuss sketches and ideas and work on a small clay model to better transfer proportions to the wood. This is one of the essential techniques in sculpture and trains our three-dimensional imagination before the sculpture can emerge from the wood.

To alleviate any apprehension regarding the tools, there will be ample technical introductions and safety checks on the chainsaw. After a total of three workdays, we will have completed our sculpture and present it in a circle before each participant can take their work home.

No prior knowledge is required. Additional tools that may be needed (flame tool, angle grinder, etc.) can be brought as desired. A communal motor oil and gasoline station for the saws will be provided in the studio.

Please bring:

Preferably a personal chainsaw including sharpening tools (must be technically sound; knowledge of one's own device is assumed)
Helmet and hearing protection, safety glasses, cut-resistant trousers, and possibly a cut-resistant top.
(Chainsaws and cut-resistant equipment can be rented for a fee)
Certainly to bring:
Work gloves, sturdy footwear (safety shoes),
Chalk (wax or chalkboard chalk),
Measuring tape or other measuring devices,
An idea for your own sculpture

https://www.styriansummerart.at/de/kunstworkshops/2025/holzskulpturen-mit-der-motorsaege-schnitzen-mit-mizzi-pur

Mizzi Pur (Maria Nimmervoll) born in Rottenmann, mother of two children;
Vocational school for sculpture in Hallstatt with journeyman's examination and vocational maturity examination;
Studied at the Art University of Linz (teaching degree for visual education and craftsmanship, plastic concepts in ceramics);
Self-employed as a sculptor in Liezen since 2012; trained forest educator.
Commissioned works for companies, schools, and private individuals,
Art courses with children and adults in the areas of clay modeling, wood carving, and forest education;
Teaching obligations for visual education and craftsmanship at BAfEP Liezen and currently at Stiftsgymnasium Admont.

www.mizzipur.com