Basat bags carving comp

Wyatt, 10, Astrid, 3, and Aurora, 8, of Big Pat's Creek loved 'Dreamtime'. 164092

SOME of the best national and international chainsaw carvers descended on Mount Dandenong recently for the Australian Chainsaw Carving Championships.
Though, self-taught Wandin sculptor Robbie Bast trumped all-comers, with his incredible piece called ‘The Man from Snowy River’, which was awarded the $3000 first prize on Saturday 21 January.
Even more incredibly, Bast also picked up the people’s choice award.
Over the championships, the chainsaw sculptors carve out intricate pieces, creating incredible pieces of artwork that need to be seen to be believed.
Also picking up prices were Jeff Samudosky, who picked up the $2000 second place with his carving called, ‘The Dance’.
Japan’s Kikaru Kodama picked up the $1000 third prize, with his piece called ‘Elders with family’.
‘Mail’ photographer Greg Carrick was on hand to capture all the action.