I live and work in a natural environment. Like the material I work with, which is derived from nature, I can say that I “work nature”. To live and work in such an environment gives me peace and hapiness.
We are very similar to the trees around us. They grow and adapt to their environment and develop ramifications. Some branches grow quickly and far away while others die. They lose color in winter and are reborn in spring. Like humans, their imperfections often make them unique and make up their personalities. It’s these personalities issued from their living that attracts me, both in trees and humans.
I use North American wood essence from eco responsible harvesting. I recently started to draw some of this resource directly from the nature that surrounds me. I cut old apple trees and dead elm trees, had them sliced into veneer and dried. It is certainly more complicated than buying from my supplier, but much more rewarding. I like working with material that I have seen alive. I like shaping it and see its transformation step-by-step, transformation that will make it a useful work of art.