Schale

The “Schale” is one of the oldest symbols in human history — it stands for receiving, preserving, and giving. Here, Daniel Bucur interprets this archetypal vessel as a monument to the power of nature. While the outer form of the sculpture captivates through its clear lines, the inside of the bowl reveals the honest, rough soul of the wood.

Here, Bucur deliberately chose against a smooth polish in the center in order to preserve the primal structure of the material. This roughness in the interior recalls the rugged bark of an old tree or a protective cave offering refuge in the wilderness. The sculpture functions like a visual basin that gathers and holds the stillness of the space. It is a work that invites grounding: the bowl holds nothing material, and yet it seems filled with the energy of the wood and of time. In the atmosphere of the Hotel am Stephansplatz, “Schale” reminds us that we ourselves are often like vessels — we must empty ourselves and come to rest in order to be ready to receive new impressions and experiences. A work of archaic beauty, distinguished by its authenticity.

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Jahresringe

In Daniel Bucur’s world, time is not an abstract concept, but a visible document made of wood. The sculpture “Jahresringe” draws our attention to the archive of life itself. Every ring, every fine line in this work speaks of a year of growth, of harsh winters and magnificent summers. The artist has shaped the wood in such a way that the cross-section of the trunk becomes a stage for infinity.

In the bustle of a city like Vienna, which is constantly reinventing itself, this work reminds us of the beauty of permanence. The concentric circles seem to pull the viewer deep into the material. Here, Bucur emphasizes that true splendor is not created through haste, but through patient layering. The sculpture feels like a wooden echo of time — a monument to endurance.

The refinement of the surface makes the tactile differences between the years perceptible. “Jahresringe” invites the guest to reflect on their own story: What traces do we leave behind? How do we grow through our experiences? A work of archaic power that teaches us that every year, no matter how difficult it may have been, holds an indispensable place in the greater structure of our existence.

Aufwind

Lightness is not something naturally inherent in wood; it must be liberated by the artist. In the sculpture “Aufwind”, Daniel Bucur shows how a sense of floating can emerge from heavy timber. The form twists dynamically upward, while the striking openings in the material — a variation on his “Guckloch” theme — allow space and light to seem to breathe through the sculpture itself.

“Aufwind” explores that moment of uplift when one sheds ballast and turns toward new horizons. The curved edges and flowing lines imitate the movement of invisible air currents. It is a work full of optimism: the openings symbolize openness to new perspectives and the transparency of the mind. For the viewer, the sculpture becomes a symbol of inspiration and the courage to free oneself from the weight of everyday life. In the spaces of the Hotel am Stephansplatz, this “Aufwind” creates an invigorating accent that invites guests to let their thoughts take flight and to celebrate the freedom of the spirit.

Torweg

A gateway is far more than a mere opening in space; it is an invitation to transition, to a change in perspective. In the sculpture “Torweg”, Daniel Bucur creates a monument to passage. From a massive, earthbound trunk, the artist has carved a powerful opening that directs the eye not only to the wood itself, but also to the space beyond it.

This work explores the connection between the here and the there. The solid wood symbolizes the threshold, permanence, and protection, while the opening represents freedom and the new. “Torweg” invites the viewer to shift perspective: What do we see when we look through the material? The precise guidance of the edges contrasts with the lively grain of the wood, creating an architectural tension. In the context of the Hotel am Stephansplatz, this “Torweg” reminds us that traveling always also means entering new spaces and opening oneself to the unknown. It is a symbol of openness and the courage to cross boundaries without losing one’s own roots.