The wood that changes and thrills you
I’m Michele Cinquepalmi, I am just curious about woodcarving and then I have developed a passion for it, especially for the olive wood (wood of my homeland), carving, stripping and bevelling the various pieces of wood.
About Michele
I was born in 1967 in Puglia (Italy), a region rich of monumental olive trees over one thousand years old. I have been living in Greece for over 20 years, another place full of ancient trees. Absolutely amazing!
I have traveled a lot for work through Africa, Carribean countries and Europe. In every place I stayed for months and even years, trying to delve into local culture and traditions. Woodworking is really interesting, in fact, I’ve been often fascinated watching local people at work with few available tools creating beautiful and gorgeous masterpieces.
First I was just curious about woodcarving and then I have developed a passion for it, especially for the olive wood (wood of my homeland), carving, stripping and bevelling the various pieces of wood.
A short history
The olive tree is an extraordinary tree, which has played an important role in the history of the civilization in the Mediterranean area and in the Western world. One of the many Greek legends tells of Athena, who thrust her magic spear into the ground and it turned into the first olive tree. Another myth states that Hercules brought down the first olive tree from the borders of the world. This is how the sacred tree of God Zeus was born and from its twigs were made the wreaths with which the glorious athletes of the Olympic Games were crowned.
How these works are made
By using simple chisels, gouges and hammer I try to remove all the external material/bark, following the natural grain patterns of the wood. I eliminate the rotten parts and clean the holes that have been created by worms and by external agents over the years.
It has its own and particular charm and it is full of natural shades and nuances of colours that no human being is able to recreate. One of its characteristics is that it is very hard and tiring to work
For me the most interesting and intriguing pieces are the strangest and gnarled ones, with their imperfections and original shapes that make them unique pieces
Colorful appearances
Olivewood is highly desired for its often strikingly rich and colorful appearances. Thanks to its natural gorgeous grain patterns and spectacular figures, I eventually always create something artistically amazing.
Over time, the trunk becomes twisted, gnarled, hard and compact, showing all its charm and beauty, as well as its singularity and uniqueness.
What I made
Each single piece of wood has its own shape, thus each lamp is an exclusive design item
The handmade objects are a real Metamorphosis, a piece of olive wood tree is turned into a one-of-a-kind interior design item of very high quality and with a pleasant velvety effect to touch.
Silent conversation
When I start working a piece of olive wood I’m always thrilled. There is a real “silent conversation” with the new object that will come out … I always enjoy woodworking with love and passion. The wood guides me… and reveals/shows a colorful nature as I go along.
Olivewood is highly desired for its often strikingly rich and colorful appearances. Thanks to its natural gorgeous grain patterns and spectacular figures, I eventually always create something artistically amazing.
All the pieces of wood are seasoned from 2 to 6/7 years.
I am not using any kind of chemical treatments.
For the love and in respect of nature no tree has been cut down or destroyed for getting these wood pieces.
Onil (Michele)
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