Set in a copse of trees, a few hundred feet off the main road, stands the small, unassuming home of Jean Boutillier. Built in the 1700's, this lovely old house was purchased by Jean's grandfather in 1910, and has stayed in the family ever since. It's easy to see where it has settled into the ground and become a part of the landscape. In Jean's eyes, the settling is not always a good sign because it means another inch or two of "internal leanings", a few more crooked floors and windows that don't fit properly. To the untrained eye, the house is adorable, full of character and ancient whispers of long gone souls still clinging to their home. For Jean, the house is letting go of more and more original rafters and beams, all made out of either chestnut or oak. Under the floor boards are more floors, and then more floors on top of the older ones.
As Jean replaces an original rafter or beam in the attic, the slow, delicate growth of a piece of sculpture, a carved wall hanging, or any number of beautifully turned items like candle holders and vases takes hold in her mind. Using a lovely piece of walnut, Jean carves out an image that seems to have grown out of the wood's natural grain, but then takes on a life of its own with twisting tree shapes and female forms climbing upwards, carved braids hanging down their backs, and long arms reaching towards the sky. Using original parts of the old home that have lost their function in one way, means they live on in another, and the house is less likely to fall down around them. In Jean's case, the balancing act between the artist and the carpenter is perfected.
The art that Jean makes from the wooden remnants of her old home would be enough to single her out as unique. But, unbeknownst to this writer until I met Jean in her home, is the fact that she is a master furniture builder. No little doll's chests or uneven rickety chairs are these, but rather incredible reproduction furniture. A storage bench that has been on display at the Litchfield Historical Society, took my breath away. Designed and made by Jean, the bench includes butternut back slats, maple seat, walnut frame and beautifully carved feet. The list of her accomplishments and shows, including The Philadelphia Furnishings Show and the Wharton Eserick Museum, and Niche Magazine for Progressive Retailers, are many. As well as doing custom work for people, Jean does antique furniture repair.
It's not often that one finds someone literally in their own backyard who is doing such amazing work. It was truly a magical morning to discover Jean Boutieller in her little house in the woods in Cornwall, Ct.
Jane Bean
Feb. 2008
You can purchase one of Jean's chestnut candleholders, made from wood reclaimed from her family's historic home, at motherhousemarket.com
