Sculptor and woodcarver Thomas Rauch

Name: Sculptor and woodcarver Thomas Rauch
Address: Steinbach 81a, Bad Gleichenberg, Thermen- & Vulkanland Steiermark, 8344, AT
Telephone: (0043)664 38 48 978

Bad Gleichenberg

The sculptor and woodcarver Thomas Rauch from Merkendorf is a true Southeast Styrian. He grew up here and returned to his homeland after several years of apprenticeship abroad.

Wood and carving art
It was at his father's work - he was a master painter and restorer - that Thomas Rauch first came into contact with sculpture. Not knowing what the world had in store for him, he listened to his father's advice and at the age of 15 - already following his own interest in the design of wooden figures - attended the technical school for wood sculpture in Ellbigen in the Lech Valley, followed by a three-year apprenticeship in the Mecca of European woodcarvers, in Val Gardena (South Tyrol). Fascinated more and more by sculpture and especially by woodcarving, Rauch also completed intensive courses with various master carvers.
Since he eventually mastered the technique and also the most important basic rules of the sacred representation of figures, the question arose for him in 2005: What do I do now with what I have learned? Do I go into business for myself, become a teacher and pass on my knowledge and skills, or do I do something else entirely? After a creative break and many phases of reflection, the decision to become self-employed matured in him.

Nativity carving
The heyday of crib making in Styria began in the 17th century. Even if today's cribs look modest compared to the representations of that time, the tradition of crib carving is alive!
Especially in the thermal and volcanic region of Styria, some wood artists dedicate themselves to the subject, including Thomas Rauch. He designed the nativity scene for the tranquil Bad Gleichenberg Advent. The most famous nativity scene (though not made of wood) can be found in the church of Sankt Kind near Breitenfeld.

Lounge 81 - Restaurant & Art
A wonderful symbiosis: sculptor and woodcarver Thomas Rauch works on the first floor, while Christina Luger runs her kitchen on the second floor. The large glass fronts bring nature in, and you can watch the sunsets in wide-screen optics. Most of the ingredients used grow here in the thermal and volcanic region of Styria, and are processed with skill and inspiration. Cooking courses are also offered!