NORTHERN TRADITIONS
In earlier days ingenuity stemmed from necessity rather than indulgence. The Norse word spōn translates to "chip of wood", which was simply a functional tool used for eating. Gradually this chip evolved through natural human creativity and the innate desire to improve. What was once nature has now become culture and the beauty and utility of the now called spoon testifies of the craftspeople whose resourcefulness has resulted in meaningful items.
In recent years the growing trend of "clean" eating and care of knowing where products come from has sparked new demand for handcrafted commodities. For me this provides the opportunity to take a step back and slow down, to focus on traditional techniques, using the hand tools that old world artisans used. It has brought new respect to my eyes of the craft and the natural materials we use.
#thenewwoodculture
EVAN HEBENSTREIT
Wood Carver and Outdoorsman
Born in the state of Georgia, Evan grew up travelling from place to place until settling for a time near the Bear River Valley of Southeast Idaho. From the desert to...
The heft and feel of a well-worn handle, The sight of shavings that curl from a blade;
The logs in the woodpile, the sentiment of huge beams in an old-fashioned house;
The smell of fresh cut timber and the pungent fragrance of burning leaves;
The crackle of kindling and the hiss of burning logs.
Abundant to all the needs of man, how poor the world would be without wood.
--Everard Hinrichs
