An insight to my world of Art and Alpinism…

At the age of fourteen, I found a new canvas in the landscapes that unfolded before me as I ventured into the world of climbing. This passion swiftly evolved into alpinism, propelling me far from the familiar and into realms of rich experiences and unexplored places, all of which became my preferred subjects for a time. However, a near-fatal accident altered the trajectory of my life. As the rock gave way beneath me, I plummeted, and in that moment of peril, my focus shifted from climbing to art.

Confronting the grim prognosis that I would never climb again, I immersed myself in art as a means of grappling with my altered reality. For nearly three years, I navigated Chamonix on crutches, painting the mountains that had once been my playground. It was during this period of physical and artistic rehabilitation that the notion of my lifestyle being over began to unravel. A failed hip operation and an unexpected expedition to Makalu at 7500 meters ignited a resurgence, challenging the narrative of conclusion that had surrounded me.

In 1989, I emerged not only as a climber-turned-artist but also as a sculptor, unveiling environmental installations that spoke volumes about climate change and mankind’s impact on the sacred mountains we revere. Collaborating with Philippe Vouillamoz, we crafted monumental sculptures from telepherique cables, tin cans, wood, and even a white-walled tire—all reclaimed from the very glaciers we sought to protect.

To this day, my work as a sculptor is an ongoing statement of adaptation—adaptation to nature, to life’s ever-changing rhythms, and, above all, to the transformative power inherent in the act of creation. Each piece I produce from found and recycled objects is a testament to resilience and a celebration of the profound beauty that can emerge from the remnants of our past.