I am Olivier
– an Artist -
with a little more…
A short story…
And once upon a time, I found myself on the shores of Mexico at — Barra de la Cruz — with the coconut trees swaying in the gentle breeze. I had always been a passionate oil painter and an art teacher, but my love for adventure was as strong as my love for the canvas. With one foot in Switzerland and the other in Australia, my life was a blend of precision and free-spiritedness.
One sunny day, I decided to trade my paintbrush for a surfboard. Paddling my way into the lineup of a renowned surf spot, I felt the adrenaline building within me. The water here was treacherous, with waves that barrelled heavily right at the take-off. With my instincts honed by my unique upbringing, I ventured further out.
As if guided by a third eye, I sensed the perfect set wave approaching. The first wave arrived, and I paddled furiously to catch it. It lifted me with its mighty force, and I forced the curve, clinging to my surf rail for dear life. Before I knew it, I found myself tucked deep into the belly of the wave, with water curving above me. It was my first time inside a barrel, and the roar of collapsing water echoed behind me, while sunlight glittered through the water above my head.
With a racing heart and my entire body tingling with excitement, I pushed down on my board and, with tremendous speed, shot out of the heart of the wave and back into the world. Breathless and victorious, I had just surfed my first barrel, and the ocean had become my canvas.
Back on the beach, my friends gathered around, eager to hear my thrilling adventure. I grinned and said, "You know, I may be Swiss by passport, but when I'm out there riding the waves, it's my Australian spirit that truly shines."
Just like my monumental pineapple painting, which captured the beauty of a single fruit in all its grandeur, my adventurous spirit and my talent as a surfer and artist continued to leave a lasting impression, making me an extraordinary and uniquely talented individual, both Swiss and Australian at heart.
Surfer
A passionate surfer who has spent much time chasing incredible surf spots. From the golden beaches of Australia to the rugged coastlines of South Africa, I have left no wave unloved.
From desert to lush jungle I have paddled out in pristine waters surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, experiencing the thrill and connection with nature that surfing offers. My surf adventures have taken me off the beaten path, into diverse cultures and distant communities. I have embraced the challenge of communicating with locals, sharing laughs, and learning about their customs. I have formed lifelong friendships and built a global community of like-minded adventures.
As my journey continues, my connection with the ocean deepens and my love for surfing grows. This life force inspires my everyday existence, shaping my philosophy, bringing me immense happiness.
Mountaineer
In the remote heights of Ladakh, rests a giant called the Kang Hatze, resting at a breathtaking 6400 meters. At 15, I ventured into a profound odyssey up to this celestial peak. Every step felt like a monumental triumph against the thinning oxygen. With each stride through knee-deep fresh snow, struggling to breathe, I delved into deep meditation, feeling the weight of each breath. It was as if every step encapsulated the essence of life—a peaceful yet powerful metamorphosis that imprinted deeply upon my being. This journey etched a serene resilience, shaping me into a harmonious and resilient individual.
High mountains are a realm of pure solitude, devoid of urban clamor. Beyond a certain altitude, civilization fades, leaving only the unadulterated presence of nature. In this pristine domain, life's raw vitality unfurls. Here, I witness the essence of existence, uncluttered by human constructs, embracing the untamed beauty of the natural world.
Skier
In the ethereal realm of powder snow, I become an artist skier. Weaving through rocks and trees with an effortless dance: I glide like a brush. Like on a canvas the snow is my partner in an exhilarating waltz, guiding me through jumps and glides.
When I look at nature’s wonders covered in a glittering white blanket, the world is silenced and a blissful serene playground reveals its beauty.
When I hit the slopes, I shed the adult shell and become that daredevil kid. Cliff jumps, flips with my head upside down, skiing backward — there are no rules on my mountain. It’s a wild art form, a playful rebellion against gravity and matter. I reign over the snow-cloaked kingdom as a magician. Knowing its secrets avoiding its dangers. I look at my lines in the deep powder snow remembering their every feeling — analysing them like brushworks that sign my name down thousands of meters of white canvas snow.
Designer
Growing up in a home with a wood workshop opened the doors to an array of craftsmanship. The beauty of woodworking, crafting from raw materials, was my initial fascination, shaping not only furniture but the entire living space of my home. This appreciation seamlessly intertwined with my sewing skills, cultivated from a school class that i continually use and develop as a hobby. The meticulous preparation and seamless planing in sewing, alongside the technical intricacies and technics of woodworking, broadened my artistic vision. These disciplines enlightened deeply my artistic exploration.
Venturing into uncharted territories of creativity, I shaped surfboards, design furniture pieces, and modify existing collectible into more tailed design (like my eames rocking chair). My mental 3D vision of woodworking and sewing extended into small architecture design as well as cloths design. Manipulating fabrics, patterns and colors echoes with my art background. This blend propels me into a world where unexplored possibilities fuel my creativity, allowing me to navigate unconventional paths in art and painting.
The convergence of these crafts fuels my artistic expression. The hands-on experience are an understanding of material, form, and function. This comprehensive approach permeates my work, infusing it with rich skills. A perspectives that derived from various disciplines; guiding my journey through uncharted creative territories.
permaculture & cooking
In my vegetable garden, the principles of permaculture are not just a method of cultivation; they've become a life philosophy, a deep connection to nature. Each plant embodies a distinct role, a unique essence, and the potential that flourishes when nurtured in tandem. It's a rich symphony, where the elements collaborate to foster beautiful growth, much like the principles I've absorbed in my culinary endeavors.
Cooking, to me, is an extension of the permaculture values I've cultivated in the garden. Just as the garden's diversity and cooperation between elements birth vibrant growth, I apply this harmony to the kitchen. When I cook, it's a dance of flavors, textures, and aromas, much like the harmonious collaboration of plants in the garden. Each ingredient plays its role, just as each plant holds its unique purpose in the garden's ecosystem.
Further inspired by permaculture I find resonance with its principles by embracing a local-centric approach. Much like the intimate bond formed while being a cow shepherd for Switzerlands most iconic cow vache d’Hérens, my cooking ethos centers on evolving from the local culture and food. Starting from local culinary traditions and ingredients I cultivate and connect to where and who I am; mirroring the harmony with one environment.
Just as the cows held a distinct place within their landscape, my culinary creations reflect the deep connection to a particular locale, celebrating and honoring the richness of its produce and culinary customs. It's about crafting dishes that speak the language of the land, a tribute to the traditions and heritage that define the local culture, food and plants.
I take this understanding into my art and teaching.
Globe–Trotter
In a world rich with diversity, my knowledge spans across numerous countries, each revealing unique aspects of living. From the culinary excellence of France to the spiritual depths of India, I've embraced the essence of diverse cultures. Delighting in the flavors of Italian cuisine and witnessing Spain's vibrant festivals, I've explored the multifaceted nature of human expression in Indonesia and Thailand.
As a trustworthy and seasoned explorer, my experiences extend beyond affluent origins, offering insights into the rural and vulnerable landscapes of Benin, Bolivia, and Colombia. Stripping away judgment, I've immersed myself in communities worldwide, from the African sun in Togo to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. With a youthful spirit and a wealth of global experiences, I stand as a leader in cultural understanding, inviting you on a journey through our planet's rich tapestry. Embracing humor and humility, I aim to inspire, highlighting the beauty of our global mosaic.
total count – 56 countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, Monaco, Ireland, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Netherlands, Greece, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, India, China, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Australia, French Polynesia, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, USA, Canada, Martinique, Guadeloupe , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Benin, South Africa, Switzerland and South Korea
