Motorsagla - Herbert Danzer

On the journey from Vorchdorf to Gmunden, in the municipality of Kirchham, a life-size wooden mermaid attracts everyone's attention. In front of the sculpture is a large wooden sign with the words MOTORSAGLA, Herbert Danzer's artist name.

It's hard to believe that Danzer's lifelike mermaid was carved with a chainsaw, but it is. The creator of the mermaid cult grew up on his parents' farm and sawmill, where his workshop is still today. This is proven by the many works of art that are exhibited all over the site. Here the passion for nature and wood was laid in his cradle and the foundation for his current enthusiasm for creative work on the raw material wood was laid.

In the summer of 2010, his love of working with wood led him to attend a chainsaw carving course. Here he had the impressive experience of what it is like to give new life to a piece of wood with a carving saw. Gripped by this feeling, it took less than six months before he got his first own motorized carving saw in his hands. With the first commissioned work, his awareness increased steadily.

Today hundreds of his impressive one-offs have found proud owners far beyond Austria's borders. With its outstanding technology, Danzer is able to implement a wide range of customer requests. There are no limits for the fanatasy. In addition to classic motifs such as eagles, owls and bears, tractors and numerous modern art objects were created to decorate interiors, gardens and other exhibition spaces.

The young man with the passion for loving and creative work on wood was consequently named Vice State Champion in 2017 at the competition of the Austrian carving championships in Ullrichsberg.

Carving can be learned - workshops with the vice mayor

What is real enthusiasm must also be shared. In addition to the previous offer of "show carving", where viewers can experience Danzer at work in his element, since this year interested parties have had the opportunity to learn personally from the reigning runner-up in special courses, to carve with a chainsaw and to create their own works of art . “With the expert guidance from the“ Motorsagla ”you can learn more than carving,” says Daniel Maier, participant in this year's carving course. "Once you get a feeling for breathing life into a piece of wood with a saw, you never want to stop," confirms the new carving fan.

Those interested can choose to attend a group or individual course. New to the wood artist's portfolio are bus excursions in Danzer's sculpture garden with two-hour carving for groups of 8 or more. All information about the courses and a great picture gallery can be found at www.motorsagla.at