Have you ever really, really looked at an Olive Tree? If you had you would see the absolute beauty of it; the gnarled trunk and the year round silvery green leaves, the small white feathery flowers and of course, the olives.
The Olive Tree is one of the oldest trees dating back to about 30 million years. It is native to the Mediterranean countries. Olive oil has long been considered sacred and the olive branch was often a symbol of abundance, glory and peace. The leafy branches of the olive tree were ritually offered to deities and powerful figures as emblems of benediction and purification, and they were used to crown the victors of friendly games and bloody wars. Today, olive oil is still used in many religious ceremonies. Over the years, the olive has been the symbol of peace, wisdom, glory, fertility, power and purity.
Having said all that…I live in a country where the tree is plentiful. I love it! And now I found a local artist who loves it as much as I do; Muhamet Trepçi. Mr.Trepçi has found a way to transform olive wood into exquisite works of art. He sees images in the cut wood and transforms it into wall art and jewelry. It really something to be seen.
I met Mr.Trepçi today and he gave me a guided tour of his art and his process, which was extremely insightful. The pieces he creates are original and absolutely stunning.
If you are visiting Shkodra I strongly recommend you visit his studio located on the corner of Rruga Jezuiteve and Rruga Edith Durham or you may contact him directly following this link Eco Art. Trust me it will be well worth your visit!
Attractions to visit in Shkodra :
Eda Art Gallery
Gjon Mjeda Textile Shkoder
Marubi National Museum
Rozafa Castle
Shkoder History Museum
The site of Witness and Memorial Museum
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