Schnitzophren Woodcarving Studio

Lena Schorno and Simea Menzel have been collaborating on a wide variety of projects in their studio "Schnitzophren" in Berlin since 2006. The two trained wood sculptors work mainly in wood. Most of their works are of a naturalistic style but are by no means limited to plain depiction.

The two artists work closely together, often on the same sculpture. They mix the banal with the obscure, thus combining tradition with innovation without denying their origins. Besides the artistic aspect, one notices in the diverse range of works that the two sculptors master the art of woodworking and know how to exploit the various possibilities the material offers.

After completing their four years of training as Swiss certified wood sculptors at Brienz Woodcarving School and at Heinz Schild AG in Brienz, Switzerland, Simea Menzel and Lena Schorno moved to Berlin, Germany to jointly run a studio there. At the beginning they worked in a tiny workshop; next to the larger sculptures the artists barely had room to work. They also found out quickly that it was not at all easy to find workbenches and wood in Berlin.

In 2008 Simea Menzel and Lena Schorno moved to Berlin Neukölln, where they could live and work at the same place, and where they also have a small shop that can be used for various events like concerts. The artists are well integrated locally and engaged in various activities. At the beginning of September 2010 they participated in Grün macht Schule, a project in which five sculptors collaborated with three school classes to display sculptures at the defunct Tempelhof Airport.

The sculptors also receive special commissions because of their location in Berlin. They have carved wooden sculptures for other artists and creative props for film sets. They have also carved ornamentation for a French castle following old patterns.

Their work is currently displayed at Muss und Muse, an exhibition at Berlin Prenzlauer Berg open through October 31.

From November 13 to 28, Simea Menzel and Lena Schorno will be taking part in the exhibition Problemhuufe at the Reithalle Bern, in Switzerland.