If a tree falls in the forest, does anyone hear it? Woodworkers with a passion for solid hardwood are rescuing and reclaiming downed trees to create one-of-a kind handcrafted modern
heirlooms do.
“We live in this amazing former forest,” says
artisan/environmentalist Jessica Wickham of
Wickham Solid Wood Studio. As a gifted craftsperson and professed
localvore, Wickham possesses a rare combination of skills. She can look at a downed tree in the forest and see its inherent potential. From an ecological perspective, a responsibly-sourced tree becomes the perfect
green building material. Wickham reclaims trees and reinvents their beauty with an earthy and sophisticated
modern aesthetic. With respect for the rich grain and natural shape of trees, Wickham uses minimal processing, traditional joinery, and natural finishing techniques reminiscent of both
Japanese traditions and Shaker sensibilities.
The very best things take time. Founded on “process, poetry, and patience” of designing carefully crafted solid wood furniture, Wickham begins with the premise that we have extraordinary resources “in our own
backyard.” This commitment to create timeless, quality,
handcrafted pieces with the least impact on the environment, makes this wood furniture the exact opposite of the glut of mass-produced furniture.
I live in the
woods and my property seems like a tree mecca, but a quick understanding of how
forests have suffered, illuminates the importance of protecting our forests. As a
member of the
Moms Clean Air Force, I’ve learned that
deforestation caused by
air pollution,
acid rain and other
environmental hazards aids in the erosion of our forests and has become a leading contributor towards the loss of biodiversity. Intact eco-systems provide an intricate web that controls floods, conserves oxygen, soil, insects and creates diverse habitats. While forests do regrow, when older forests decline, they eventually lose more carbon to the atmosphere than they absorb, thus fueling
climate change.
Represented in this celebration of wood is a cycle of production that promotes less waste, a lessening of dependence on our precious natural resources, healthy finishing techniques (low or
no-VOC stains, dyes), and a reverence for promoting a way of life that is local.
If there is one thing that will get us beyond the planet’s sustainability woes, it will be the eco-enlightenment that includes a lifecycle analysis of everything. With environmental awareness becoming more mainstream, and the coexistence of
style and sustainability taking center stage, artisans like Jessica Wickham will light the way.
Bench photo credit:
Wickham Solid Wood Studio
Ronnie Citron-Fink is a writer and educator. Ronnie regularly writes about sustainable living for online sites and magazines. Along with being the creator of www.econesting.com, Ronnie has contributed to numerous books about green home design, DIY, children, and humor. Ronnie lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her family. 
