The Mountain Atelier (1985)

The Mountain Atelier at Findeln

When you arrive at Findeln you see, not far from the family residence, the mountain studio. A ramshackle building reminiscent of “Facteur Cheval” made from bits and pieces, elements salvaged from here and there.

As you open the gate made of wrought iron and corroded by the weather, you enter the centre of Heinz Julen’s universe, the place where everything has its beginning, where nothing is impossible.

Findeln is Heinz Julen’s place of origin, his cradle. Situated right above the family’s restaurant and in full view of the Matterhorn this is a place where the artist is near his family and near the person who secretly inspires him, God.

There isn’t a single project, picture or sculpture which hasn’t passed through this studio at one time or another.

The floor is made of rough boards, the walls are lined with old wooden panelling. A series of pictures inlayed with various tools (hammers, rules, trowels) all encrusted with age, as time has left them are fixed in a layer of translucent resin.

At the centre is a fireplace created by Heinz Julen and here and there, you’ll find books about art and architecture. A staircase leads up to the next floor, where a design table under a removable glass casing occupies the place of honour. Another staircase descends into the basement to the painting and sculpture studio, containing a mixture of materials, paints and religious icons.

The terrace with its wooden benches and objects which time seems to have forgotten: a coffee pot, and old television set, etc.… and facing you, majestic and immutable, the benevolent Matterhorn.