For 10 years, I rented a small house on Avenue d’Antioche in Château d’Oléron, one of the town’s main avenues with heavy traffic all year round. Unfortunately, this house did not have a boundary wall to protect me from the noise of the cars. However, a magnificent birch tree stood in front of the house, shielding me from the view of passers-by and rustling in the slightest breeze, bringing me its fresh green scent.
When I had to leave the house for a new rental, the new owner waited less than a year to cut down this magnificent tree, claiming that it could fall on the road or the neighbouring house during a storm. It broke my heart to see it lying on the ground. I must admit, however, that this birch tree was at the end of its life, as evidenced by its rotten core.
Fortunately, I was able to save a few beautiful logs from this tree that had been with me for all those years. Brought back to the workshop and coated with paraffin for slower drying, these logs are now waiting to be turned into sculptures. I made a first attempt with a beautiful slice from the base of the trunk and some branches, turning it into a coffee table.
I am happy to be able to preserve a reminder of my time in my first home on the island of Oléron.
