Coffin Control
The ultimate work he created was his own coffin.
It was designed to be an exact replica of Pope John Paul II’s coffin. The master carpenter apologised about how it was impossible to procure cypress in this part of the world and had to settle with pine for its creation. He said `whoever dies first gets it,’ implying either him or his wife.
Above is the coffin Pope John Paul II was buried in and what the master carpenter replicated
Right now it stands in a corner of his studio covered in sheets in order to keep the attention away from this supposed morbidity. He was sheepish about showing the coffin. With a child-like grin he said while looking at the floor, `well, it’s a bit morbid you know. But if you really want to see it…’
Of course I wanted to see it. A quick removal of the sheets revealed a trapezoidal container built with a craftsmanship that you are either born with or spend your whole life developing.
I didn’t think it morbid at all. It’s a powerful act to construct and decide your fate post mortem. Many loved ones will fret and panic regarding which Cadillac-style casket to throw the remains into. Not to mention the awesome debt that will follow. While it wasn’t the craftsman’s intention to give a middle finger to the Funeral Industry and the coddling policies of government, it can be easily seen as such. His intent was rooted in his religion and admiration for the pope.
Gregg was the master carpenter of restorative art when Canada had an actual government division devoted to Art Restoration (during the Trudeau years.) He’s restored everything from elegant chairs/tables for the supreme court to a 19th century pram to ornate ceramic bowls from the Middle East. Masterful work was done with a meticulousness and exuberance that can be fully appreciated in light of our current lack of standards and quality control.
He’s very enthusiastic talking about all the various projects he has done. The life of `art restorer/fixer upper’ is reclusive: Sitting alone in a studio with a lot of chemicals and measurements. I sit alone in a studio with a lot of enjoyable chemicals. That is the extent of our similarities and it was a pleasure meeting him this past weekend.
-South of Ottawa June 7, 2008
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