People used to drive cars into this tree — now Douglas Coupland is immortalizing it in gold
What do you do when a beloved natural monument in the forest is slowly decaying? Make a shining golden model of it and bring it into the city, of course.
Coupland's new massive piece of public art celebrates a cherished part of Vancouver's history
Douglas Coupland likes a good story. He's proved that more than a few times; as a writer and as a visual artist, he's become a celebrated chronicler of Canadian history, dreams and popular culture.
Enter Vancouver's Hollow Tree, a natural monument in Stanley Park for which Vancouverites have reserved special affection for decades. In this video directed by Sarah Keenlyside, Coupland explains the fascinating story behind the Hollow Tree and why he was inspired to undertake the ambitious and slightly claustrophobic installation of his own Golden Tree in the heart of Vancouver.
You can see Douglas Coupland's Golden Tree now, at the corner of Marine and Cambie Streets.
Watch Exhibitionists Sunday at 4:30pm (5pm NT) on CBC TV.