A Shelf in The Woods: A Case for Natural CreativityTsigye Hailemichael, Sep 9, 2008Asmara, Eritrea: Hundreds of people came to see Robel Tesfay’s exhibiton, which was titled “Asmarino’s Ingenuity.” In fact, between July 25th and August 2nd 2008, The Gallery in Asmara, a showcase for contemporary artists in Eritrea, was transformed into a gigantic tree house. The success of this exhibition is to have combined functionality and art thus bringing a great number of the public to contemplate the sculptural effects of wild branches and logs taking the form of chairs, shelves, wine racks and bedroom sets, revealing at once the art that is, and had always been, part of our lives even if it was not named Art.This exhibition opens the doors to great potentials for artists in Eritrea. First, because of the material used, the wood itself. Most pieces are made with sliced tree trunks and branches that are kept in their natural forms while using mainly wood from Pepper, Olive, and Qolqual trees. This may be one of the most attractive trait in the artist’s work, namely to have used material that was readily available in the country, material that was simply waiting to be touched and transformed by imagination and creativity. The type of wood used, as many in the public have commented during the show, is what our mothers and grandmothers used to burn for practical purposes. Notwithstanding the fact that the cutting of trees is now carefully monitored, its use in sculptural art making creates a new kind of usefulness that turns simple pieces of wood into something permanent that appeals to the imagination. In and of itself, the simple gesture of making furniture that uses raw material as it is found directly in nature brings the public closer not only to nature itself but also to the nature of creativity. In the midst of enquiring visitors bestowing enthusiastic comments, Robel accepted to answer a few questions regarding his work:Q: When did you first ...