‘A way to honour the tree’: Montreal wood carver brings new life to hazardous trees in La Fontaine Park

Worn-out trees in one of Montreal’s most famous parks are getting a makeover thanks to a Montreal wood carver who transforms trees using nothing more than his keen eye, chainsaw, and artistic vision.

Part of a project by the Plateau-Mont-Royal Borough, wood-sculptor Lucas Besse-Dicaire explained that he saw a social media post calling for artists to take part in this process of bringing new life to hazardous and dilapidated trees in the La Fontaine Park.

After being successfully selected, he began molding his vision, though he suggests each piece is open to interpretation. The three panels of art feature children playing with seeds, a couple hugging, and honouring the ancestors — with each panel resembling the shape of a seed.

“It reflects everything that could have been happened near that tree. It is just a way to remember that the trees have been there for a while and they have been witnessed a lot of things,” said Besse-Dicaire.

“I saw an opportunity to make something cool out of it. So I propose a type of sculpture that could fit with my idea of the staircase going around the trees.”

Besse-Dicaire says it was natural to see his vision before it even came to life, as he spent most of his younger years exploring the park. He jokes that he would often climb trees in the area and drew inspiration from those times of appreciating nature.

He adds that a personal treehouse project is what inspired him to meticulously place each frame of art in the segment of a staircase.

“It’s a way to honour the tree to give it a second life. So people can still appreciate that the fiber of this tree is still living, even if it has been cut right now, you can still go near him and appreciate it,” he said.

Besse-Dicaire credits his photographic memory and early experiences with drawing and illustrations for shaping his new endeavor with wood sculpting. He clarifies that though he has been working with a chainsaw for most of his life, it has only been a few years that he has dabbled with using the saw as a means for sculpting.

In April of this year, six diseased trees in the La Fontaine Park were cut down, with two more scheduled to be removed from the park within the next three years. At the time, the City of Montreal says it was due to their deteriorated condition and the risk they posed to public safety.

Alongside him was his son, Sovan Lemay Beauvais, who helped by chiseling away pieces of wood and refining the smaller details.

“I really enjoy helping my dad when he’s working. I like using my dad’s tools,” said Lemay Beauvais.

“It’s fun to work with wood safely. I like doing that,” he added.

While visiting the site, dozens and dozens of Montrealers stopped in their tracks to witness these artistic sculptures come to life. From flocks of school groups, students, runners, elders, and young famillies — all eyes were focused on Besse-Dicaire’s creations.

“It’s really beautiful. Yeah, I think it can inspire other people to create more stuff, and I know Montreal is a very vibrant scene with like arts. So let’s keep it going,” said Dominique, a Montrealer strolling through with his family.

Dominique applauded Besse-Dicaire by incorporating his son in the sculpting process and says it has inspired him to pick up artistic hobbies with his own family.

“It’s a very nice way to connect and I think it’s a good example for people to see,” he added.

Besse-Dicaire encourages Montrealers to visit the park and take their time to observe and appreciate both the art and the tree itself, noting its long-standing history.

While discussing additional pieces, he hints that more tree sculpting projects lie ahead in the park and surrounding areas, as discussions with the borough have been ongoing.

“I’m in love with this park and if I have the chance to take a walk here and appreciate the art that is exposed around, I would definitely. So I hope that people will do the same,” said Besse-Dicaire.