In The Hands Of Artisans ~ Our Old-Growth Redwood

Here at the beginning of a new year, we're reflecting on the creative work of the people who transform our reclaimed wood. There are far too many individual projects to list here, so we're sharing a handful with just one species: our old-growth redwood. Hawkeye Woodworks is seen above, finishing a redwood slab table.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Many different labels are ascribed to those who work with raw materials. According to everyday definition, an "artisan" is a highly-skilled trade or craftsperson (such as a woodworker) who creates something specialized or functional. With a focus on quality, an artisan produces a limited number of handmade pieces, often employing time-honored methods.

An "artist" would also transform wood in a meaningful way, no less significant because its intent may be expression and not function. The "crafter" refines techniques and uses traditional tools to make things that are aesthetically and emotionally pleasing. And finally, the "maker" (a relatively new term) describes a person who uses a hands-on, experimental approach to creating, often utilizing modern techniques for a single project.

Tullo Construction: Redwood Bookmatched Slab Bar Top

These terms are imprecise and blend with common elements, which may be more important than their distinguishing characteristics. As definitions, they can include people from diverse backgrounds, with different forms of training, and varied levels of experience working with wood. Walking through our retail warehouse, you can meet professional woodworkers, artists, DIY-ers, and students of all ages. These labels all seem to capture what we value in our customers, the desire to create or transform, combined with an appreciation for the wood they hold in their hands.

REDWOOD:

New works created from our old-growth redwood may be particularly special because this species is so beautiful. But they may also be compelling because their recency is in such contrast to the venerable age of the salvaged redwood, most likely between 1,000 and 2,000 years old.

Over-harvested in the 19th and 20th centuries, California redwoods are now an endangered treasure. We have been fortunate to salvage old-growth redwood from the leftovers of past logging operations. None has been cut from fresh-felled trees.

Our inventory includes over fifty redwood slabs as well as larger bases and smaller blocks. Slabs have been hand-selected for superlative grain, live-edge character, and workability. They are unfinished and ready for you to sand and apply the finish best suited to your restaurant, office, or home applications.