The film starts with dramatic images of a devastating fire and then transitions to the delicate art of Peter’s homemade wooden skis, showcasing the fragility of life. Peter focuses all his creations around harmony, both between the materials and himself and in the design of the skis.
This couple picked up and moved to a 16th century mill in the Chamonix Valley to follow their dreams of constant creation. This film focuses on the importance of creativity and centering passion; both skills of Peter and and his wife Anati.
Art is inherently human. Peter sees this and embraces it with his woodworking, drawing shapes and filing skis by hand. He investigates discipline with his art. Not as something to be uniform, but rather a desire to always be better and strive for more. Peter is hungry to create art and his skis are perfect examples of his excellence.
Anati makes art for their house that reflects her life along with Peter’s. She is an incredible painter and uses her art to create physical representations of the love she has found in this world. Both from the support of her community and Peter, she has found the inspiration to follow her passion. Leading her life with creativity has invited even more room for joy to flourish.
The devastating fire started on a typical December night. The couple ran home to find the whole building engulfed in flames, it was total destruction. Peter had lost years of his work as his and Anati’s lives burned in front of them.
After eight years, Peter still struggles with the loss he faced from the fire but everything he lost was gained in the community throughout Chamonix. Locals rallied behind Peter to help him rebuild the workshop. Their community became stronger than ever in the face of helping two of their own.
This film is incredibly inspiring. It puts into perspective the things in life that really matter: wonderful people and creativity. Skiing at times can feel frivolous, but allowing yourself to ski and create from a place of passion takes it beyond the sport; it becomes a lifestyle.
Peter put it best that skiing can provide value that fills your heart rather than your bank account. Passion and kindness improve your everyday life far more than money. Nothing comes easy but hard work can bring new purpose to everyone’s lives. Watch Peter and Anati’s story on Patagonia’s Youtube or find a screening near you. Follow Rabbit on the Roof skis to keep up with Peter’s latest creations.