Purpose:

To create a piece of art that is also functional from reclaimed wood.

Process:

This piece was created at a friend’s farm in Asheville, North Carolina, using cherry wood and other materials they had on the property. The creative process came to life as I spent my days and evenings working in the rural woods of Asheville. I used a wood lathe to shape and refine the slab’s live edges, allowing the wood’s raw character to guide me. The blue resin was poured into the natural voids and hallows of the wood. I truly enjoyed capturing and preserving the flaws that make the material unique. There are a few places where the resin cracked, and I had more practiced hands to help repair the flaws.

One of the most interesting details of this project was a small frog skeleton embedded in the resin: it was unintentionally trapped in the curing process. Rather than remove it, I feel it added to the grit and overall earthiness of the table. It is as though a piece of history is forever trapped in this table—mummified if you will. I believe this deepens the piece’s connection to nature and its story.

Reflection:

Cracks, knots, and scratches are visible on the table’s surface. This is a true testament to time. I embraced the imperfections, including my minimal knowledge of resin pouring. I could have reworked it to hide where i broke the resin, but I decided this was a testament to the effort I had put into making this piece. This project reflects my belief that sustainability is about honoring the process and the imperfections and using what is imperfect. The result is a piece that balances strength and vulnerability, craft and chance.