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The beginning of the end of the beginning
by Dirk Koolmees

$1,810.00

Reclaimed Rosewood carving & metal, 63 × 12 × 67 cm
Dirk Koolmees, Vientiane, 2020

The beginning of the end of the beginning was carved from a reclaimed sliver of a century-old teak tree, transforming a discarded fragment into a meditation on time, cycles, and renewal. Its flowing forms suggest periodicity, the loops and turns of life that return yet move forward, reflecting both change and the persistence of patterns across generations. Each curve embodies the patient dialogue between hand and material, capturing the passage of effort, care, and imagination. The sculpture evokes reflection on heritage, growth, and the subtle ways lives intertwine, celebrating the enduring rhythm of existence and the connections that span from past to future.

Unique work
Carefully packed and shipped within 4 days

Reclaimed Rosewood carving & metal, 63 × 12 × 67 cm
Dirk Koolmees, Vientiane, 2020

The beginning of the end of the beginning was carved from a reclaimed sliver of a century-old teak tree, transforming a discarded fragment into a meditation on time, cycles, and renewal. Its flowing forms suggest periodicity, the loops and turns of life that return yet move forward, reflecting both change and the persistence of patterns across generations. Each curve embodies the patient dialogue between hand and material, capturing the passage of effort, care, and imagination. The sculpture evokes reflection on heritage, growth, and the subtle ways lives intertwine, celebrating the enduring rhythm of existence and the connections that span from past to future.

Unique work
Carefully packed and shipped within 4 days

Artist’s note

This piece was made out of a sliver of a 100 year old teak tree that had to make way for the further development of mankind. In this case a sports field near our house.  I often make my sculptures out of discarded pieces of wood but it rarely is of this quality. I had seen the left over pile for some time already before I got the courage to cycle in and snatch whatever I could. On the way out, the rough piece of wood laying on top of my handle bars, the owner of the sports field came out of his office and stopped me. I had to use all my smug charms to explain my intentions and I got away with it. I started working on it before the lock down, caused by  COVID-19, hit the world.  I worked on it while society came to a sudden and dramatic stand still. By the time I finished it the world was still in containment mode but there were signs of improvement. If you wanted to see them anyway. Hope is life, life is hope, after all. What will the world look like once we finally come out of this 'new normal'? A new beginning or back to business as usual, looking back in amazement  at what on earth happened, a few months from now? The title suggests a linear progression, that things will change.  Or does it?The sculpture itself suggests periodicity. Life loops around itself, turning back on events and inevitably repeating things all over again.

I don't want to necessarily make such a strong connection between my sculpture and contemporary world events such as pandemics. I am not that interested in short term events. The theme of the piece revolves more around  continuity. My kids growing up and creating a life for themselves that is both different and the same to mine. Creating another loop in the fabric that spans us all.