Ernst Gamperl

For the internationally renowned artist and wood turner Ernst Gamperl, the dialogue with the exceptionally vital material of wood is a source of creative inspiration. He works it with a technique bordering on magic and embraces its natural drying-out process in the design of his pieces, giving rise to impressive, powerful forms. Ernst Gamperl’s most extensive work in wood to date was created from a 230-year-old oak tree uprooted by a hurricane. In an ongoing process lasting 10 years — the Lebensbaum (Tree of Life) project — he transformed this mighty tree into a unique ensemble of 97 differently formed vessels and objects, one of which was awarded the famous LOEWE Craft Prize in 2017. The publication is an impressive documentation of the artisanal-artistic work process as well as the Lebensbaum project in its entirety. Text in English and German.