Daniel Van de Velde: The Art of Sculpting the Void to Reveal the Tree

The Artistic Philosophy of Daniel Van de Velde Daniel Van de Velde is fundamentally sustainable and environmentally conscious, as the artist works exclusively with fallen trees brought down by storms, sculpting them directly at the site of their fall. A staunch advocate of waste-free creation, Van de Velde ensures that no material goes unused. He either leaves the removed material on-site to enrich forest soils or repurposes it in permaculture.

In addition to his remarkable sculptures, Daniel Van de Velde is a poet and an advocate for teaching the next generation. Through outdoor land art workshops, he introduces children to his creative process and environmental principles.

The essence of Van de Velde’s work lies in the void he creates within the tree trunks, which symbolizes the energy required for the growth of trees. By carving out emptiness, he paradoxically highlights the strength and power of nature.

An artist who identifies deeply with his creations, Van de Velde explains:« “My human trajectory, my individuality, is materialized through the hollowed-out tree, transformed into a spiral of light, both inward and outward.” »

Van de Velde’s works, composed of segmented, hollowed-out trunks or branches that are meticulously assembled, often seem to defy gravity. It’s not uncommon to find his installations appearing to levitate or pierce through walls, reminiscent of passe-murailles.

Daniel Van de Velde’s art has been exhibited worldwide, including in France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, Argentina, and South Korea.

Combining his skills as both sculptor and poet, Van de Velde offers audiences a holistic approach to his art, built on voids, pauses, and meditative moments. His works invite viewers to contemplate the interplay of absence and presence, nature’s resilience, and the profound energy of growth.

Visual 1 : Segmented and Hollowed Trunk © Daniel Van de Velde

Visual 2 : Ephemeral Installation in Saint-Merri Church, Paris, for Nuit Blanche 2018 © D.R.