Campwin Beach’s Bear Cave is producing some the most exquisite timber carvings you could wish to see.
Mark Chisler worked as a diesel fitter for Plane Creek Mill from 1981 to his retirement in 2016, never once used a wood saw or claw hammer at work, yet today is busy in retirement working 25 hours a week in the Bear Cave on his carvings, which each take at least 40 hours’ work.
The Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre stocks some of his carvings. His range includes lions, dragons, sea horses, unicorns and inlaid tables, to name a few.
One table is inlaid with a sea horse, another has turtles and shells carved and inlaid and covered with liquid glass. Another has carved images from the Game of Thrones series.
The timber was sourced from the cuttings of large trees in River Street which were cut back by the council.
Mark moved to Campwin in 1984, marrying wife Kim in 1986.
“Campwin would have to be one of the loveliest beaches in Australia,” he said.
“We walk it each day and we often collect shells which I use in the carvings.
“There is a beach here some residents call Turtle Bay, despite it being rocky and not at all suitable for turtles, but we do have turtles nesting at Sarina Beach and sometimes at Campwin.”
The Bear Cave was built in 1990 as an annex to their home, and today Mark often puts in a 25-hour week on his creations, usually working 8-11am.
His first attempt at woodwork was a relief carving which still has pride of place in the Bear Cave, which today is filled with his creations.
“I use recyclable timbers to create the carvings which are made from pieces of ply; I’m not cutting down big trees to make them,” he said.
“I draw in freehand all the designs for the carvings and go from there.”
Mark’s father Noel Chisler worked as an engine driver in the railways for 40 years, retiring in 1988, at the age of 58. He was able to retire as he one of the first non-staff at the time to invest in superannuation when it was not available to drivers.
“He encouraged me to be in superannuation and it’s the best advice he ever gave.”
The Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre is open 9-1 Monday to Saturday and has a large range of crafts by talented local crafters.
By Charlie Payne
Mark and Kim Chisler in the Bear Cave at Campwin Beach with one of Mark’s sea turtle carvings, which opens up for a favourite picture. Photos: Charlie Payne
Images:
Mark Chisler with one of his sea turtle carvings
A table inlaid with a seahorse
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