treow
/treːow/
1. truth, loyalty
2. large woody plant
"An Old English word, treow means 'tree' or 'oak tree'. The oak tree was common to Indo Europeans and they began to call all trees by this. The word 'oak' was later changed to mean oak tree. 'Tree' is related to 'true', which meant 'steady or firm', a lot like an oak tree."
"The grain of wood, in trees several hundred years old, contains meditations and songs that it has obtained from its close relationships with sunlight, earth, wind and rain. A tree that has grown tall by absorbing water and nutrients during its long lifetime, and by having deep conversations with the sun and the wind, possesses within it the mystery of the earth drawn from its roots, as well as the numerous stories of sunlight, moonlight and insects extracted from its leaves. A tree is destined to fall, but its thoughts and feelings survive for eternity within the grain." - Jeong Mog-il
My love for trees and nature started at a young age when I came across these words. It has since developed into a passion for preserving the lumber trees provide by creating furniture people are proud to own and possibly pass on through generations.
I began my studies as a woodworker and development of skills with a strong interest in design from the Arts and Craft Movement. As I progressed, I became more influenced by Japanese design and woodworking techniques. I naturally gained a great interest in mixing traditional and contemporary techniques and materials.
In the summer of 2011, I began work in a shop that specialized in the fabrication of traditional Korean windows and doors. It was an incredible experience to learn customary Korean techniques and use Korean and Japanese hand tools. Along with learning and working in the shop I was able to work onsite at a Buddhist temple and helped build hanoks (a traditional Korean home). I have now fallen in to the abyss of Japanese craft of kumiko woodworking.
During my journey in artistic woodworking and as a carpenter I have used a variety of materials and incorporated many techniques. Specifically, I often use reclaimed or salvaged wood and traditional joinery and design. The only constant characteristic of my work is the craftsmanship. I believe my projects are studies of themselves and are only truly finished when I would be proud to have them in my home. - Mark Morris