English Open Chainsaw Competition

Chris Wood – Wales

Hi I’m Chris Wood AKA Wood Art Works, I’ve been working professionally as an artist since I established WAW in 1999.

Since starting WAW I’ve worked on hundreds of projects each one different to the next, from children’s workshops making masks or lanterns etc, to giant chainsaw sculptures, or shop displays on Oxford street. I’ve also worked in Spain, the Canaries and Abu Dhabi as well as all over the UK, for various festivals, schools, councils and other associations.

Chris has been a regular at the English Open Chainsaw Competition and competes in competitions all over the world and regularly wins many of them.

 John Hayes – Ireland

From Waterford, Ireland John is know for his amazing sculptures including commercial and community projects. 

John first came to the English Open Chainsaw Competition at Cheshire Game and Country Fair in 2017. 

He has since travelled the world and become a household name in the world of carving appearing in many tv programmes including – A Cut Above on BLAZE TV.

Simon O’Rourke – Wales

Creator of the Giant Hand of Lake Vyrnwy, an artist specialising in wood sculpture based in Wrexham.

I create fine pieces of artwork from waste timber or standing stumps. I produce these using a variety of chainsaws, power tools and hand tools.

I’m inspired by classical sculptures like Rodin, Bernini and Michelangelo.

Simon is a past winner of the English Open Chainsaw Competition as well as many other events.

Kamron Garbe – Canada

Kamron Garbe is a multidisciplinary artist with a passion for wood, antler and ice.  Coming from a background in carpentry, painting, and design, his self taught approach stands out. Drawing inspiration from his time as a divemaster, ocean critters are a favorite motif. Based out of Armstrong, BC, Garbe’s work has been commissioned across North America and abroad.

James Elliott – Scotland

Multi award winning, internationally acclaimed wood sculpture based in Glasgow.

large scale public sculpture, pet and human memorials and more.

Para Havatitye – Ireland

Para studied at the University of Galway in Ireland and is an artist, sculpture and chainsaw carver.

His unque skill and detail to attention can be seen in his work.

He has been a regular in the English Open Chainsaw Competition in the last few years.

Riley Knaus – USA

My name is Riley Knaus. I found chainsaw carving when I was 19 and have been immersed into the industry ever since!

My passion and love for the art itself continues to put me in positions that I’m forced to adapt to and overcome.

The race of competition, the family I’ve made doing it and the places I’ll go because of it, all keep me wanting more!

Danny Thomas – Wales

Danny is a natural talent and has been chainsaw carving for a number of years.

Danny grew up chainsaw carving and has followed in his fathers footstep becoming one of the UK’s top carvers.

Lorraine Botterill – England

Studied Sculpture at Sheffield Hallam University and it a renowned chainsaw carver.

Lorraine travels the country attending many events and fairs and has participated a number of times in the English Open Chainsaw Competition.

August Eskelinen – Finland

A full time sculpture working from his studio in Lappeenranta, Finland. Specialising in wood, ice, snow, and foam sculptures.

August has recently appeared at Living Heritage Chainsaw Competitions both at Sandringham Estate and Cheshire Showground.

Heather Crompton – England

Heather Crompton of Form Artworks is an artist  interested in ideas of beauty and makes tactile, tranquil pieces in order for them to be as accessible to as many people as possible.

Recurring themes include motherhood, the human form and flowing abstracts. Work includes large stump carvings, public sculpture, gallery pieces and community projects.

Based near Huddersfield in the rural Pennines Heather works locally, nationally and internationally on a variety of commissions, events and exhibitions.

Heather is predominantly a sculptor in wood but also creates work in stone, textiles, mark making and various other materials. 

Jonny Stableford – Scotland

Based in Muiravonside Country Park near Falkirk, Jonny uses his professional skills to create unique chainsaw carvings from a single piece of wood.

Limited only by the size of the timber, Jonny can produce bespoke items for your individual needs be it a garden, business premises or public space.

Jonny is known for his entertaining antics in the speed carve arena, so be sure to watch it. You wont be disapointed.

Raimondas Uzdravis – Lithuania

Raimondas lives in Lithuania and has been working with a chainsaw for 40 years. He started his career as a logger and horse-drawn forest hauler, later as a carpenter and for the last 15 years he has been a chainsaw carver.
Raimondas loves to travel a lot. He has participated in chainsaw carvers events in Siberia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Holland, England, Scotland, Canada and the USA.

Raimondas’ hobby and credo is Chainsaw only creation and engineering solutions from wood.

Gary Orange – England

Bespoke wooden chainsaw carvings, commissions undertaken for individuals and organisations. From seating areas for schools to personal commissions.

Gary has travelled the country attending a number of Living Heritage Events and has competed in both the English Open Chainsaw Competition and the Best of British held at Cheshire Game and Country Fair. 

Paul Edwards – England

Paul Edwards is based In Ellesmere Port / Chester and works full time for Simon o Rourke.  Paul also does Illustration work and Animation for many bands plus skate and surf brands.

This will be paul’s first time at a major competition.