Czech artist carves statue in Kjarnaskógur to honor forestry pioneers

A Czech artist, Jiri Cieslar, is currently carving a statue in Kjarnaskógur to honor the pioneers of forestry in the area. Cieslar, who previously worked as a lumberjack and is self-taught in the art of carving, is utilizing a chainsaw along with traditional tools. He anticipates that, with good weather, the carving could take about three days to complete, although he is focused on detailed work, which may extend the timeline.

The significance of this project is to pay tribute to those who contributed to the establishment of Kjarnaskógur, a woodland in a previously treeless region. Cieslar’s artistic journey has even led to one of his works being presented to the Pope in Rome, although he clarifies this was not specially created for the occasion. Instead, it was a small piece sold to a politician who gifted it to church officials.

His son, Matej Cieslar, also has experience in carving, having previously created rabbit sculptures in the same area last summer. Matej claims that while he is skilled, he specializes in smaller animal figures rather than large human sculptures like his father.

In a lighthearted exchange, Ingólfur Jóhannsson, the director of the Eyjafjörður Forestry Society, revealed that Jiri was quickly persuaded to undertake this current project during his visit to see his son, emphasizing the importance of honoring the original creators of Kjarnaskógur.