Carving

In the flickering firelight, the carver applies the knife. Crunching, a wooden curl peels off the blade and dances to the ground, soon followed by the next. Experienced fingers gently glide repeatedly over the fine contours in the wood, finding small irregularities and bringing the knife to the wood once again. Soon the wood begins to smile, stretches a tiny hand towards the carver, and cheerfully invites him to dance. Quietly, the carver hums an old tune and looks for a dignified dance floor for the little wooden figure in the Christmas nativity scene.

Already upon stepping into the studio of Karl-Josef Röck, one is surrounded by the enchanting scent of larch wood. It fills every corner of the small room, where the sculptor creates new wooden works day by day. The small workshop is filled with lovingly carved figures, and on the floor, wood shavings lie like witnesses to their creation. In the midst of it all, Karl-Josef sits on his small stool, diligently working on a new piece of wood. He enjoys being watched over the shoulder, and so every visitor in his studio not only perceives the scent but also the sound: sometimes soft and quiet, sometimes powerful and loud, Karl-Josef guides his tools over the wood. Those who listen to the sound of carving feel transported back in time. The sound of carving is rustic, cozy, and traditional. It is best heard when one wants to feel secure and at home, wishes to become creative oneself, and wants to be a bit closer to the Alps.