Seymour Australia Invitational Carve 09

[GabbyG]

G'Day all,
Thought you might like to see some pics of our 3 day carve here in Australia. A fantastic time was had by all, with weather kinder this year only mid to high 30's ( 80 to 100 F), better than the last couple of years where temps hovered around the high 40's (100 to 110 F).

The format for this carve is 'no pressure, learn, share and enjoy' which gives carvers the opportunity to work within a professional environment whilst being able to network with the public, businesses and exhibitors at the expo.

We all thought it pretty special that the Seymour Carve and Ridgway were buzzing away at the same time this year. The only two major differences are the extremes in weather, blizards v blistering heat and the Seymour carvers get to keep or sell all thier carvings.

Carvers worked to large crowds over the three days, some 40,000 through the gates, and as always the sound of non stop chainsaws drew a constant stream of onlookers up through and past many of the farm exhibitors. The positioning of the carving site creates a constant stream of foot traffic past many exhibitors which is great for their exposure and sales.

Given the economic climate, sponsorship was understandably a little thin this year, but this didn't deter each carver from performing to their best and working professionally and doing their branded saws and safety equipment justice.

Echo (All Power Australia) provided our 'fly in' Interstate carvers with demo saws and, as happens in Ridgway, the other carvers make sure anything else they need is made available from their own carving kits. A big thank you to All Power Australia - Echo.

The carve was not without sadness at the tragic loss of Harley and his wife Errol in the Mansfield wild fire of 7th Feb 09. Harley has carved at this event for several years and was and will be missed by all. In his memory and as a sign of respect Harelys log and carving site was set up, carvers were joined by the public and observed a minutes reflective silence on Sunday at 11.00am.

With the expert assistance of Fiona Freeman and Peter Anderson there were some very happy new owners of unique one off carvings and happy carvers with some serious dollars in their pockets. As well as sales Fiona and Peter were able to match up carvers with potential customers for commission and on site works as well as taking orders. A big thank you to Fiona and Peter.


Julie Anderson did a fantastic job in making sure the event ran smoothly, carvers were feed and had lodgings.

Glenn Smith, ice carver extraordinair, provided the opportunity for wood carvers to carve ice which he supplied as well as the necessary equipment. This is a great drawcard for the Expo organisers as well, not to mention an experience for the carvers.

Here are a few pics.

[Colin-Partridge]

Gabby that looks like a lot better enviorment than Ridgway I could handle that maybe next year. I have always wanted to see Australia it is one part of the world I have never seen. Sounds like a great time what did you carve? Gabby how about posting a link to more carvings if you have it I would be really interested.
Thanks Colin

[GabbyG]

G'Day Colin, Well Australia is probably one of the best places in the whole world to live. Even with all our extremes in climate and conditions our patch of paradise is certainly worth the effort to visit, not to mention our Ozzie lay back 'she'll be right mate' way of life. Of course one of the big mistakes tourists make is to just visit the big Capital Cities, don't get me wrong they are special, but if you really want an Ozzie experience you have to move out of the 'big smoke' and travel out and about to our bush and outback towns. Your always welcome and we can organize a great 'walk-a-bout' with some carving along the way.

I carved a frilled neck lizard, alas not quite finished, am still grappling with the right side of the brain.

My camera was not working either so am relying on receiving pics from Julie and others to resize and post.

Here are a few more pics.

[Rwenzoski]

Hi Gab, I seen the pic of the big chainsaw you carved & it looks great! Can't wait to see the lizard pics also! Gabby this is part of the problem is your trying "Grappling" too hard to get the right side to work, Dear you just have to "allow it to happen" & it will in a flash & you will wonder "What the hell just happened" when it does, HE HE! Can't wait to get there myself, walkaboutalittle & spend some time on the bench with ya!
Thanks, Robbin