Chetwynd Chainsaw Championships

For this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge theme of Creativity, I’d like to give a shout-out to the Chetwynd International Chainsaw Championships, in the tiny town of Chetwynd, British Columbia.

Chetwynd is in the heart of British Columbia logging country. It’s no surprise that working with a chainsaw transcends utility to become an art here.

In Chetwynd, chainsaw sculpture is more than just the ubiquitous bears you see everywhere. Every June a dozen chainsaw sculptors from places as far away as Australia and Japan converge here to strut their stuff, displaying their talent and creativity.

After 15 years of competition, nearly 200 sculptures decorate the town, and they are surely something to behold.

I made a few observations as I strolled the streets viewing the sculptures. Like heavy metal music, chainsaw carving seems to be a guy thing. I didn’t see any women’s names on the pieces. It’s hard to know if part of this is a bias on the organizer’s part, as only a dozen of the world’s best are invited to the competition each year. I suspect, though, that it’s not an art form many women think about turning their hand to. Any women artists out there ready to give this a try?

Like heavy metal music, certain themes dominate. Death and fantasy are popular subjects. Ocean themes seem to be very popular, too. I found this rather odd, as Chetwynd is about 1,000 miles from the sea.

There is lots of variety, though, and it’s a kick to wander around and check out the originality and creativity showcased in these works of art.

So if you are ever traveling up the Al-Can Highway by the western route, leave a little extra time in your schedule for Chetwynd and check out the carvings. It’s a fun way to spend a day!

The Chetwynd International Chainsaw Championships are held the second weekend of June every year.