Transformation of oneTree highlights 53 Canadian artists

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The Robert Bateman Centre

Over 60 pieces of art carved from a single salvaged tree will be on display at The Robert Bateman Centre starting November 16th for the oneTree 2017 exhibit. Following the success of oneTree 2015, the Robert Bateman Centre and Live Edge Design have partnered once again, offering a chance for the public to experience the work of locals galvanized by the story of a gnarly old tree. One salvaged walnut tree is being transformed by the hands of 53 artists, connecting the public to a visual experience of three-dimensional art inspired by the natural world.

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John Lore and Stefane Dimopolous, “My dinner with Andrew,” 2017

walnut, brass and leather, 30" x 8.75' x 3.5" (photo by Live Edge Design)

This collaborative project demonstrates the large potential economic impact from artisanal use of small amounts of salvaged wood, merging art with skilled craftsmanship and an appreciation for the natural world. These Canadian artists have created over $100,000 in value-added art, with diverse pieces ranging from 9 musical instruments, 23 pieces of furniture, 2 doors, 11 sculptures, 6 bowls, 5 lights, and even 1 gnome home.

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"Mystique" by Merlayna Snyder

For over a century, this black walnut has been witness to the everyday life of the Rockland neighbourhood of Victoria. It spread great gnarly limbs over St Charles Manor, a heritage home that became an elderly care facility. The tree started growing roots into the soil as the world went to war, not once, but twice. The walnut’s leafy canopy became part of the character of the house and local neighbourhood. Slowly, a crack began to form and spread inside the tree. In 2016, the decision was made to take down the tree for safety reasons, and now it is being transformed by 53 artists into one-of-a-kind pieces of art.

The celebration of the oneTree and its history will inspire people to explore the importance of appreciating, protecting and maximizing the use of our local trees. In addition, this exhibit will also showcase the breadth and talent of Canadian artists and their entrepreneurial spirit.

Pieces will be on display at the oneTree 2017 exhibit at the Robert Bateman Centre from November 17th, 2017 to January 31st 2018. Each piece will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Bateman Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on art and nature education. For more information on the exhibit and the 53 selected artists, please visit www.theonetreeproject.ca.