WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING...
Below, keep up to date with all my recent shows, commissions, and projects. You can also find all of this and more on my Facebook page!
English Open Chainsaw Carving Competition
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I cannot believe it has already been one whole week since the English Open Chainsaw Carving Competition. Let me tell you all about it!
As this was my first year competing as a full-time chainsaw carver I was incredibly nervous, especially knowing all the other amazing talents that would be there. I spent a lot of time planning and sketching my ideas. I had two main ideas in the beginning: a Celtic rabbit or my 7-year-old Nanny reading her brand-new Bible. In the weeks leading up to the event I was very lucky to spend a lot of time with my Nanny before she passed so, feeling inspired by my time with her, I chose to carve a girl. On the day I then made the decision instead to carve a grown woman; this allowed me to focus more on the shaping of muscles which gave my piece more life and reality.
I was unfortunate to pull number 19 out of 23 in the log draw so there was not much to choose from once it got to my turn! All things considered, I ended up with a really lovely piece of oak. The competition in total is 25 hours, however, I participated in all 6 of the speed carves which greatly reduced the time I had to work on my piece. It was worth the sacrifice as I love speed carving. Nothing beats the feeling of the applause in the ring after creating a piece totally original in only 30 minutes.
As much as these competitions and shows are about carving, my favourite part is really the sense of community. I love the evenings around the fire and getting to see other artists perform our shared craft to such a high quality. I cannot wait for the next one!
2025 English Open Chainsaw Carving piece titled ‘Enthralled’.
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12th May 2025
Exciting Announcement:
I have some exciting news! I have been given the honour of carving again at the Scottish Open Chainsaw Carving Competition at Carve Carrbridge 2025.
This will be my third year at this event. I first attended back in 2023 which was also my first time in Scotland! The following year I made the most of the journey from my home in Cambridgeshire and stopped at the beautiful Loch Lomond with my husband.
Take a look at my pieces from the previous years:
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2023: The Seahorse
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2024: Coming Up Fighting
I appear to be very influenced by the ocean for this show - I wonder if this will influence this year too! The title for the 2024 piece is inspired by the name of the Siamese Fighting Fish which we have had a few of as a family over the years.
The special thing about this competition is that it is just 4 hours and we are only allowed to use the chainsaw. This a real challenge but definitely one to look forward to.
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28th April 2025
My First Week as a Full-Time Chainsaw Carver
At the beginning of the month, I finally took the plunge and quit my part-time job to become a full-time Chainsaw Carver. This has been a dream of mine for many years, and I am so proud to have been able to take this step in my career.
Here is a little insight to my first week on the job:
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I completed some site visits for future commissions
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I finished off and delivered some commissions including this beautiful red kite and this adorable trio of badgers
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I spent the day working in the glorious sunshine in Fenstanton completing a piece commissioned and designed by the Fenstanton Parish Council
It has been a pleasure to do what I love every day of the week and have time to spend with my family. I particularly enjoyed my day in Fenstanton thanks to the lovely locals and the gorgeous piece of wood I got to work with. It is such a lovely colour!
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20th April 2025
