It was an interesting experience to go to a one-man show performed by Philippe Dyon, the wood-turner of Sigy-le-Châtel. Sigy is near Salorney-sur-Guye, just to the east of Cormatin.
The show was entitled ‘The History of Wood Turning’. M. Dyon is an excellent narrator who told the story from the Stone age via ancient Egypt, the invention of lathes, the use of robots for mass production, to the art it is today. At each stage he wore amusing costumes and there were interesting effects with a stroboscope and flying ribbons of shavings. During the story M. Dyon turned some chair legs, a cup which became a lampshade, and a spinning top for which he is famous. He made it look so easy!
'Inspiration'
The wood-turner was adamant that photographs should not be taken as he wants his work to convey an emotion and if a camera gets inbetween you and the work then the effect is lost. Having thought he just meant during his performance I did take a couple of photos in his exhibition room afterwards and was thoroughly admonished for it. So I would doubt you will see many photos of his work.
Exhibition of wood turning
Friday night was also the big Night market at St Gengoux. This is held twice in the summer, in July and August. There was a carnival atmosphere with music, wine and food, enjoyed by families, locals and tourists alike. There were stalls with all sorts of decorative work, painted containers, wooden plaques and jewellery, all made locally. As usual we stood entranced watching this fellow making glass animals.
The glassblower at St Gengoux nightmarket
There is a lot of artistic talent in this area, an amazing number of potters. Often there are exhibitions in Cluny. And of course if you can visit La Filaterie, the old textile mill down by the river in Cormatin, to admire and buy the work of many local artists.
I can’t go without showing you the latest picture of the kittens, now 8 weeks old! They spend their days running about on the woodpile while White Cat tries to keep an eye on them all.
8 weeks old!
