This carving is a seat made from a huge root of a tree. It is a part of a series of pieces created for the Vancouver Biennale which were installed in parks and spaces around Squamish for the public to engage with and enjoy. The 2014 – 2016 Vancouver Biennale and Hugo França donated these artworks to École les Aiglons to create a permanent Legacy of Public Art in the community.
In Public Furniture | Urban Trees the trunks and roots of condemned trees and trees that have washed ashore are transformed into sculptural artwork and furniture for the benefit of Squamish. This process of working respects the natural features of the wood, promoting minimum waste. It also brings to light the beauty of the natural organic forms, lines, holes, and cracks of the trees. Their memory remains alive with their uniqueness, being offered back to live together with people in a harmonious display. This bench is one of a series of works still in Squamish out of the seven created here. All the wood used was recycled and locally sourced from the Squamish area.”
Atelier Hugo França’s principle is to transform trunks, roots and parts of trees that are generally rejected.
The raw wood material is stored at the atelier in Trancoso, Brazil, then chosen by Hugo according to its texture and organic shape for various projects. Hugo’s inspiration is drawn directly from the natural curves and shapes of the wood, following the paths created by nature.
