Heritage

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While many communities appear to simply cut down and completely remove ancient trees that become diseased, Wiarton, Ontario on the Bruce Peninsula preserves even part of them in an unusual way.

With one of the most accomplished wood carvers in the world, Bobbi Switzer, Wiarton is turning the remains of ancient trees into incredible 'statues' that reflect the personality of the region.  She creates historical pieces of art and seals them so that they last through time.

Hard to believe this 15-foot tall 'fisherman' is the  remains of a maple tree

One of Switzer's most ardent promoters is former Wiarton Mayor Gwen Gilbert, who personally commissioned Switzer to 'save' trees on her own property by creating statuary relating to the Wiarton's water-related history.  Instead of cutting the trees to a 'stump' and then removing them, approximately only two-thirds to one-half of the trees were cut.  Then, the remainder, which were upward of 20 feet, were turned into pieces of art.

Switzer, whose work is world-renowned and commissioned, has chosen to live on a more 'remote' on Bruce Peninsula in order to pursue her art.

So, the question is - why don't other communities save half the trees that they 'cut down' and create 'living' statues that relate to the history of their area.

These hand-crafted pieces of art are not only one of a kind but they also reflect a history.  The trees that form the artwork lend themselves to the history of where they have stood for hundreds of years and serve as a remembrance of centuries that have long passed leading up to today.

To simply cut down and remove these giants of history seems to be a transgression against those people who settled the land and who let these living giants survive.

What better way to preserve history and the trees that lead Bruce County to become known as the land of Maples and Port Elgin, particularly, as the 'Town of Maples', than to help preserve even a part of them through intricate carvings that illustrate the historical figures or animals of yesteryear.

One of the random 'Switzer' tree carvings in Wiarton

To see Switzer in action:  Click here

Perhaps other communities should consider preserving not only their history but the beauty of the trees by combining the two.

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Monday, February 07, 2011