From Forest to a Table
Finland is covered in forest green. Over 70 percent of Finland’s surface area is forested and a majority of it is considered being indigenous. The most common view in Finland is the dark green of pines and spruces. Of about 30 tree species of Finland pine tree is the most common covering 65 per cent of the total forest surface area, the other most common species being spruce, birch, aspen and grey alder. Furniture made out of wood continue their lives as carbon sinks even though they change their form from a tree to a functional object and their location from forests to living room.
Forests offer material for multiple of uses but they also serve as places for spirituality. The Japanese term Shinrin-yoku refers to forest bathing. It explains the meditative and therapeutic power of the forest. For people who have lived in Northern woods for centuries can agree with the concept: one can go wander in forests in search of mental peace, inspiration and a breath of clean air. There’s something in the stillness and calm wisdom of ancient forests that put one’s small thoughts and troubles into perspective.
Trees are individual characters. The job of a cabinetmaker is to listen and examine their material with means of delicacy and understanding – whilst constantly learning something new from each individual. As a living material wood provides challenges but simultaneously it is peerless with it’s other trades: it’s strong, flexible and light. Wood asks for patience. After reaching for the skies for decades a tree peaks at its full size at about the age of sixty. High quality wood material is assured when a tree is felled during winter period when the moisture content is at its lowest. Still, because of the lengthy drying period, the journey from the forest to workshop can last years.
Wood yearns to be touched. Over the years, the surface of a wooden item will show all the touches and dents telling the stories and encounters from days and years before. With these memories wood ages gracefully and creates a beautiful patina like no other.