Description
Mounted on self-supporting or wall frame
Upkeep
The artist
Gilles Drolet
Beaulac-Garthby
Native of the Quebec City region, I was introduced to sculpture as a teenager by my grandfather. I discovered the pleasure of working with wood, but I had to give up this activity for professional reasons.
After a busy professional career, I began to dream of working with metal without having the slightest notion of the requirements of this material. I would even wake up at night imagining ways to make metal tree sculptures. I asked a specialist in industrial welding to give me basic welding training, after which I invested myself intensely in this universe.
A few weeks later, I had made my first tree. A little puny, almost sickly, this first tree was still the object of great pride because I saw the trees to come. The following took the panache; they have become more costly, more provided, more alive.
These trees that I develop represent for me the strength and stubbornness of life. Climbing a tree to the sky requires perseverance, resistance and adaptation: a reflection of many human lives ... Each new branch proclaims hope and renewal.
Hoping that the emotions I experience when creating my works can be transmitted to you.
Creation process
The artist actually assembles a multitude of small pieces of steel together, using various welding techniques. Miniature trees, however grandiose, are born. The steel work is then staged on various bases, sometimes in semi-precious stone, sometimes in wood. While some of the artist's creations sport a rather raw and matte finish, others are adorned with flamboyant color.
Either way, it's the tree's unmistakable presence that first catches the eye.