Posted June 23rd, 2010 by rachelh
Artisan Profile by Emerald Atkins
Stranger Furniture is proof that deeply sustainable can mean deeply beautiful.
When the roughness of bark and the “imperfections” of natural wood are respected and used, when the natural, intricate grain of a board is allowed to shine forth in all its beauty, when the source tree “speaks” for itself, the results are tangible.
William Stranger’s work encompasses not just cabinetry and tables but also humbler creations such as lamps, utensils, and cutting boards. Each aspect of his work supports a goal of creating zero waste. Recycling is practiced whenever possible; scrap wood is donated to schools and other artists; even sawdust is used as animal bedding and then composted in order to minimize the shop’s impact. As the artist explained, these business choices spring from a commitment “to an evolution that will take us beyond sustainability.” Read the rest of this entry »
Posted May 28th, 2010 by rachelh
The second in a series of artisan profiles by contributing writer Emerald Atkins.
100 years ago, before “sustainability” became a concept, before the word “recycling” even existed, a traditional American craft embodied both: rag rugs, the art of creating rugs from worn clothing & cast-off textiles. Across the country housewives melded thrift and creativity, beauty and usefulness into functional works of art.
At Lark Textile Design owner/designer Janet Thomas builds on this legacy. In her hands, the unintended sustainably of yesteryear has become a directed goal in the production of custom hand-woven and constructed rugs.
“Although I use new materials now for my rugs,” she says, “they are industry 2nds and cast offs. Perfectly good for walking on but not good enough for your window coverings or upholstery. I am a scavenger at heart and that mindset makes it really easy to fit into the context of today’s sustainability concerns.” Read the rest of this entry »
Posted May 17th, 2010 by rachelh
I’m very pleased to welcome Emerald Atkins as a contributing blogger for TIR. A talented writer, jewelry maker and mother, Emerald will be providing us with a series of in-depth profiles of some of the wonderful artisans involved in sustainable furnishings and crafts. To begin the series, she has interviewed my favorite handmade tile maker, Bronwyn Simons. Enjoy!
Quality, tradition, sustainability, an artful approach to life and business… In Terra Home’s rural studio in the heart of Denman Island, in British Columbia, founder Bronwyn Simons pursues all these ideals. For her sustainability is not just a business practice but a reflection of the philosophy that guides her life.
Beauty in the everyday. Serenity in a single tile.
Read the rest of this entry »
