Phil Racines

After becoming a carpenter in 1983, Philippe Jouham took over the family business "Jouham Charpente Menuiserie" seven years later. However, health problems forced him to give up carpentry to devote himself to managing and accounting for JCM. To continue working with wood (a material he has always been passionate about), the entrepreneur went back to basics. From an early age, Philippe was fascinated by nature in general, and trees in particular: "I often go to the woods, and I bring roots home to give them a second life. And under his fingers, the roots become works of art...

In December 2015, in Macornay, Philippe took the plunge (with the help of his wife Nadine) and exhibited his sculptures for the first time. Since then, Phillippe Jouham, aka "Phil Racines", has set his studio in Montrond free.
"Phil Racines", gives free rein to his creativity and imagination. Using roots found in the forest or donated by friends (from walkers to wood professionals), he creates works that are always unique. It's a job that requires precision and patience, as Phil scrapes, sands and shapes his creations (sculptures or everyday objects) for hours on end to bring out the movements of the roots and the beauty of the grain...

Now well known well beyond the boundaries of Montrond and even the 'com-com', 'Phil Racines' is regularly invited to take part in arts and crafts exhibitions (at the cardboard factory in Mesnay or the chapel in Chamole, for example). Some of his works are also exhibited in public places where they are sure to attract visitors, such as the restaurant "Le Bois Gourmand" in Champagnole. Others can be seen in situ in his studio, where Phil is always happy to welcome lovers of fine work.

At the same time, although root carving remains his primary passion, Philippe is now also a woodturner, having been trained by the Franche-Comté woodturner's association.