The oneTree 2017 exhibit opened at the Robert Bateman Centre on November 16 and will run until January 31, 2018.
By Karin Olafson
All fallen trees have value, but some are of such quality and have such powerful stories that artists are drawn to work with the wood of these natural icons. That’s the premise of The oneTree exhibit, a collaborative effort between Live Edge Design and the Robert Bateman Centre.
This year, the second annual oneTree exhibit celebrates the life of a Black Walnut Tree that grew in Rockland until it had to cut down in 2016 for safety reasons. After the tree was milled at Live Edge, more than 50 artists received a piece of the walnut tree to craft into their own creation.
For this year’s exhibit, more than 80 pieces of work from this one tree were created by the 50 artists. All the pieces are now on display in the Robert Bateman Centre until the end of January — and the pieces can even be purchased. (Although, they can’t be taken home until after the exhibit closes.) Proceeds go to the individual artists.
All the pieces are beautiful works of art that celebrate a tree that lived for more than 100 years. Here are just 10 pieces from that exhibit that we love.
Dancing West Coast Trees
Photograph courtesy of The Robert Bateman Centre.
The artist: Frank Armich
The cost: $3,800 to $4,200
Why we love it:
Two, large wall sculptures (they’re both over five feet tall) by Parksville-based artist Frank Armich are an eye-catching addition to any wall. Each of the pieces is made from one piece of wood from the century-old tree, and is a very artistic portrayal of duality. The pieces are rugged yet refined, they’re multi-textured and they’re multi-coloured.
Tsu-mi-ki Desk and Chair
Photograph courtesy of The Robert Bateman Centre.
The artist: Jon Braden
The cost: $2,800
Why we love it:
This adorable desk and chair set was designed as a work and play station for little kids. Not only is it so beautiful that kids will likely be drawn to sit down here to colour or read or build with blocks — its name, “tsu-mi-ki” means “building blocks” in Japanese — it’s also crafted in such a way that it will be passed down for generations.
St. Charles Library Ladder
Photograph courtesy of The Robert Bateman Centre.
The artist: Eric Gesinger
The cost: $1,800
Why we love it:
Not only does its name pay tribute to the St. Charles Manor, where the century-old tree once grew, it shows that a simple, everyday item can be a gorgeous keepsake. Use it to get that just-out-of-reach item, sit on the top step to read and keep it in a room to admire its clean lines.
Shaker Style Footstool and Mohair Mat
Photograph courtesy of The Robert Bateman Centre.
The artist: Laura Keil
The cost: $200 to $375
Why we love it:
As well as beautifully carved wood, these pieces incorporate textile. The footstool was woven with jute strapping and crocheted mat was made using local wool. The piece is tactile and the textiles perfectly compliment the wood.
“Sentil”
Photograph courtesy of The Robert Bateman Centre.
The artist: Andreas Kunert, Naomi Kunert and John Lore
The cost: $87,393
Why we love it:
This collaborative piece is breathtaking. The door (which is fit for royalty) was made with incredible attention to detail and has a mosaic at its center that incorporates stone and a 350-million-year-old ammonite.
“My Dinner With Andrew”
Photograph courtesy of The Robert Bateman Centre.
The artist: John Lore
The cost: Table $20,000; Chairs $2,000 each
Why we love it:
This is a practical creation and also a gorgeous and artistic Mid-century Modern addition to any home. The set’s timeless design came from Lore, and it was crafted by Stefane Dimopolous. What also impressed us about this piece’s craft and design is that the table was made from the largest single slab of wood from the walnut tree.
“Believe in the “Magic” of a Gnome”
Photograph courtesy of The Robert Bateman Centre.
The artist: Charlie Pickard
The cost: $3,650
Why we love it:
Pickard’s gnome house combines art with play. It’s unique, cheeky and equally appealing to children and adults.
“Binary”
Photograph by Karin Olafson.
The artist: Studio Robazzo
The cost: $1,200
Why we love it:
We have never seen a lamp like this. It mixes history and nature with technology: the pieces of the walnut tree that make up the lamp-shade were shaped based on an algorithm and are held together used a 3D-printed clip. It’s elegant, distinctive and unique, and an artful way to light up a room.
Blanket Chest and Wall Mirror
Photographs courtesy of The Robert Bateman Centre.
The artist: Cam Russell
The cost: Chest $4,200; Mirror $800
Why we love it:
With a chessboard-like design that pairs light sapwood with dark heartwood, this chest and mirror would be a tasteful accent in a bedroom.
“Mystique”
Photograph courtesy of The Robert Bateman Centre.
The artist: Merlayna Snyder
The cost: $7,500
Why we love it:
This floor sculpture from Victoria-based artist Merlayna Snyder brings the wonder of the ocean inside. The piece is fun and lighthearted, yet at the same time is deep and moving.