100 Strangers: Woodcarvers

Master woodcarver Ruth Fischer works on a new carving : Brienz, CH

One of the last places we stopped in Brienz was H.Huggler-Wyss Woodcarvers (H.Huggler-Wyss Holzbildhauerei AG). At one time, the company employed 20 master woodcarvers. Today, there are only six.

 Master woodcarver Hanspeter Stähli plies his craft at his workbench : Brienz, CH

Two of them are Hanspeter Stähli and Ruth Fischer. We met them the day we were there and they graciously allowed me to photograph them at work.

 Carved and painted figurines depict some of the traditions and costumes of the Bernese Oberland : Brienz, CH

Hr. Stähli and Fr. Fischer and their fellow artisans carve and paint wooden figures depicting traditional Alpine life in and costumes of the Bernese Oberland. They also make beautiful nativity creches. If you're looking for a uniquely Swiss gift, this is the place to go. They're located on Hauptstrasse 64 in Brienz.

Close-ups of Fr. Fischer and Hr. Stähli : Brienz, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 2/10

Two Things Challenge: Early / Late

Early : Kuhglocken on a farm building : Brienz, CH

This week's Two Things Challenge was Early / Late. I took these pictures today in Brienz, Switzerland, near the open air museum of Ballenberg. The first picture was taken in the early afternoon while the sun was still a bit behind and above this farm building with the cow bells (Kuhglocken), while the second was taken about five hours later.

Late : Kuhglocken on a farm building : Brienz, CH

If you'd like to participate in 2 Things Challenge or see how others interpreted this week's challenge, go here.

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 08/09