Adam Bauer of Kersey transforms simple logs into a vast array of artwork. Bauer is one of 200 wood carvers featured at the 10th Annual Ridgway Rendezvous. Photo by Cherry

By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff

As the smell of freshly cut wood and the buzz of multiple chainsaws fill the air, artists from nearly 30 states and 10 countries work diligently on a vast array of pieces, all a part of the 10th Annual Ridgway Rendezvous.

Among the 200 carvers participating in the 2009 event is Adam Bauer, 29, of Kersey, a solo representative of Fox Township.

“I went to the Rendezvous two years ago and became very interested in carving,” Bauer said. “My favorite part of carving is that it’s different, not everybody’s doing it.”

During last year’s Rendezvous Bauer carved for three days. This year he returned for the entire week long event.

Showcasing a total of 40 pieces ranging from bears, a butterfly, a ram, an owl, an eagle, a feather and a fish, Bauer’s carving run the spectrum from serious and practical to whimsical.

What was once meant to be a Santa Claus turned into a  “scary gnome” during the carving process which varies from piece to piece.

While he recently completed a practical address marker, birdhouse and beach themed chair, Bauer has also created such unique pieces as a massive dragon fly measuring nearly three feet in length.

Among his other quirky creations are a myriad of colorful mushrooms, a snowman and a bear table stand.

“The piece I’m the most proud of is the ram,” Bauer said. “It was one of those pieces that I thought ‘holy man I can’t believe I did it’.”

Bauer said his most time consuming piece was an owl perched upon a tree branch, which he spent approximately three weeks carving.

With a bachelors degree in graphic design from Edinboro University, Bauer utilizes his art skills in his new hobby.

“Instead of a computer, I’m just using a different tool to create art,” Bauer added.

He said he has been taking art lessons from local painter and Elk County Catholic Art Teacher Peter Winklbauer since the sixth grade and continued with them throughout his four years at ECC.

When attempting to carve an object Bauer said he often consults photos and picture books.

“I observe what other carvers are doing and if I see something I like I try to create it with my own twist,” he said. “It’s always a learning experience and it’s nice to try something different.”

Bauer explained though he enjoys carving he has not recouped much of his cost, adding that any money earned from a piece is put toward equipment.

Like most carvers Bauer views wood logs in a much different way as the average person. These unique artists often envision what creation could become of the treasured piece of wood.

Bauer added that he once took advantage of an apple tree stump from his parents back yard on Church St. With a few cuts of the chainsaw Bauer transformed the stump into a chair complete with a detailed design of a forest scene. The chair has been his heaviest creation to date, weighing nearly 300 lbs.

He noted that white pine is the ideal wood to carve due to its softness.

Throughout the carving process, artists employ an arsenal of chainsaws and other implements.

Many carvers utilize several types of chainsaws including a large saw for block work, a medium saw and a small saw with a carving bar for detail work.

After chiseling or sanding their pieces carvers can choose to varnish, seal, burn or paint it with either acrylics, oil based or spray paint. Bauer noted that styles vary between carvers each depending on their personal preferences. Once complete a polyurethane coating makes the piece appear shiny.

Bauer credited Rick and Zoe Boni of Appalachian Arts Studio for much of his success in the field.

“I jumped right into the hobby, playing around in my garage at first for a few months before going to the studio,” Bauer said. “I wouldn’t be a carver today if it weren’t for the Boni’s.”

He added the Boni’s helped him refine his skills.

“I have a very long way to go. I’m not anywhere where I want to be,” Bauer emphasized.

In the future Bauer said he hopes to eventually turn his carving hobby into a career and travel to other events.

“I really enjoy interacting with other carvers and meeting new people in the industry,” Bauer noted.

Otherwise known as the Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous the event is presented by Appalachian Arts Studio. The event began on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 and concludes today with the famous auction being held in the warehouse located adjacent to the site at the former Motion Control Building in downtown Ridgway.

Beginning at noon the general public will have the opportunity to bid on unique wood works, specially created by each carver.

For his auction piece Bauer created a four-piece Nativity scene complete with a North Star.