The rough, wooden texture of the Himmelgeister Baumgeist Sculpture is almost palpable. You can practically feel the warmth of the sun on your face, the scent of the surrounding woods, and the wind whispering through the leaves. The sculpture is made of a once powerful chestnut tree in Himmelgeist. This old tree was a natural monument and a beloved landmark for many years.
Despite all efforts to keep it alive, a fungus called Phytophtora killed the tree in 2015. To honor the chestnut, the city decided to keep the tree trunk and have it transformed into a striking sculpture. The creation of the sculpture was entrusted to the chainsaw artist Jörg Bäßler. He gave the tree trunk the face of a tree spirit, with a playful expression, a long, twisted nose, and a whimsical smile. The trunk was sculpted into a figure that looks like a gnome peering over a tree stump.
The heart of the sculpture is the heart of the tree, with the annual rings still visible. From this heart, a beautiful, wooden arm reaches out to the world. This arm was also sculpted by Jörg Bäßler. You can practically hear the stories of this magnificent tree in the carving. The sculpture is a reminder of the changing seasons and the beauty of nature. The Himmelgeister Baumgeist Sculpture is a testament to the enduring power of nature and the importance of preserving our environment. It’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the tree that it honors.