Some people see a log and that's all they see. Others -- like the six chainsaw carvers in Seldovia's fourth annual Craft Invitational Chainsaw Carving Competition -- see a log and envision an eagle, a whale, a siren breaking free from the ocean's depths or just about anything the imagination is capable of conjuring up.

Beginning with the carvers drawing for logs May 21, the loud whine of chainsaws proved a welcome mat over Seldovia Bay, greeting a crowd on Memorial Day weekend. The competition came to a close Sunday afternoon, with an awards ceremony and an auction.

Scott Thompson of Anchorage, assisted by his wife, Joan, took first place for "Escape of the Seldovia Siren." Taking advantage of the wood's grain, the Thompsons created an impressive twisting, muscle-bound female form with a wild-haired appearance and a ferocious stare.

In second place was Derrick Stanton, working with his assistant and nephew, Matt. The Kenai team brought to life a fisherman surfing on the back of a halibut. In third place, first-time competitor Jordan Anderson of Indian also won the People's Choice Award for a pair of gracefully ascending humpback whales he called "Flying Sea."

The Most Potential Award went to Jimmy Kitchens of Palmer, whose carving of undersea creatures was not completed by the end of the competition. Stephen Hopkinson and Mary Lu Williams of Kenai won the Most Maternal Award for their creation of a bald eagle feeding a next of young, open-mouthed eaglets. Scott Hanson of Soldotna and his wife, Sandy, received the Most Profound Award for their depiction of Jesus lifting his apostle, Peter, from a stormy sea of Galilee.

"There's nothing like beating Jesus," Scott Thompson said with a laugh as he received the first place ribbon.

The carving competition owes its beginning to Toby and Elaine Craft, chainsaw carvers and Seldovia residents who have since moved away. Through their carving, the Crafts had connections with the Hansons, as well as other carvers.

"The neat part is we've had these carvers come every year," said Jenny Chissus of the chainsaw competition committee. "This year we had a new carver, Jordan (Anderson), so that was exciting."

In addition to the awards, each carver also receives $1,000 for participating. Some of that is raised through an auction of small, quickly carved pieces. Sunday's auction brought in $2,400, which goes directly toward next year's competition.

Photo by McKibben Jackinsky "Escape of the Seldovia Siren" by carver Scott Thompson and Joan Thompson of Anchorage was awarded first place Sunday afternoon in Seldovia's fourth annual Craft Invitational Chainsaw Carving Competition 2009 .