Expressive Art
Our Precious Forest
About the Artist
Karl Ciesluk is a sculptor and Land Artist based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His artworks interact directly within natural landscapes and evolve over time. Some of his works last days, some last years; calling the viewer to reflect on the ephemeral, as it relates to material choices, nature , and time. Ciesluk invites the viewer to experience art as it relates to the environment, highlighting the concept of Living Organic Art.
Our Precious Forest
Karl Ciesluk (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
1998 Artist in Residence
Materials: Natural materials, mirrored tile, site-specific installation
Our Precious Forest is a temporary, site-specific sculpture created during Ciesluk’s 1998 residency at Bernheim Forest. Using an existing tree stump, Ciesluk covered the form in mirrored tile, bringing reflective light to the space it occupies. The work draws attention to what was once a thriving tree, now reduced to a stump, revealing what may otherwise be overlooked or concealed. The quiet nature of Our Precious Forest challenges the viewer to seek out what often goes unnoticed within Bernheim Forest.
Location: On the left of the Arboretum Loop, as you head towards the Visitors Center.