Natacha Heitz

Le Bois d'Ylva

Woodturner

©Eric Burlet

The beauty of cracked wood

Natacha works with the atypical Swiss pine wood
She developed her own technique called cRAKŬ
Her workshop has been awarded for its commitment to nature

Natacha Heitz explores the art of woodturning through her sculptures. She works with the contrasting nature of Swiss pine wood, which she feels embodies the harmony of opposites. "As a lover of nature and wolves, it was natural for me to choose to work with wood," Natacha says. She trained in woodturning and sculpture under several masters before opening her own workshop. Since 2014, Natacha's work has centred around 'cRAKŬ', a technique she developed herself. "When Swiss pine is exposed to flames, it develops a cracked texture. I love to experiment with this unique textural feature, and I seek to enhance the wood by painting it, varnishing it, sculpting it, turning it and dyeing it," she explains.

Interview

©Eric Burlet

What inspired you to pursue woodturning?: I was initially working in nature conservation, education and environmental mediation, specialising in the wolf-pastoralism issue. Then, seeking to get closer to the nature I preached about all day, with a desire for a more introspective activity, I turned to working with wood.
Does the environment still play a fundamental role in your practice?: From the very beginning, I was committed to using local wood and sourcing only from companies that harvest sustainably. My work is grounded in eco-responsibility. Everything is reused, even the shavings produced during turning or carving. The finishing products I use are chosen for their low environmental impact.
How did you discover the cRAKŬ technique?: I had been searching for a way to work with the local and atypical Swiss pinewood. It is a very soft wood, traditionally used for knife carving, which felt far from my own approach. One day, I passed it through fire, and it cracked in a completely unique, beautiful way. I remember thinking, 'There is something here!'
What do you like most about your craft?: My partnership with the material. Because I work repeatedly with the same type of wood, I end up knowing it intimately. I do not have the same connection or approach at all when I work with another type of wood.

Natacha Heitz is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2013