Do you like incense? You know that scented stick to burn to perfume the environment but also to purify the energy inside the house. At the beginning of this year I went to the Festival d'Oriente and I bought a good supply of incense and I also wanted to try the famous Palo Santo, because I have never had the opportunity to smell or use it. As soon as I used it I loved its scent (we will talk about perfumes in another article) and then a little piece of Palo Santo lasts forever if used for purification. Then I thought to myself: But how wonderful is wood! How many useful but also decorative ways to use wood! Even if this is information that many of you already know, I still want to dedicate this article to the majestic and beloved Wood.
Wood is an extraordinary material that has accompanied humanity for millennia, offering not only functionality but also beauty and meaning. Every piece of wood tells a story that begins with a small seed, which grows and lives for decades, if not centuries, before becoming part of our lives in countless ways.
The Perfume and Essences of Wood
One of the most fascinating aspects of wood is its scent. Each type of wood has a unique fragrance, which can vary from the sweet and spicy of cedar to the fresh and balsamic of pine. These scents not only evoke feelings of well-being and connection with nature, but also have therapeutic properties. The essences extracted from wood such as sandalwood and cedar essential oils are used in aromatherapy for their calming and relaxing properties.
Functional Wood in Homes
Wood is a fundamental element in our homes. From furniture such as tables, chairs, wardrobes, to load-bearing structures such as beams and floors, wood offers durability and a warm and welcoming aesthetic. Its versatility allows you to create unique pieces that can be both functional and decorative, adapting to any style, from rustic to modern.
From Seed to Sculpture
In addition to its functionality, wood is widely used as a decorative element. Each piece of wood has a story that begins with a small seed. This seed grows into a tree that can live for hundreds of years, facing the seasons and the elements. When the tree is cut down, the wood is carefully worked to preserve its beauty and history. Whether it is a piece of furniture or a sculpture, each piece of wood carries with it the memory of time and nature. Wooden sculptures, often made with great skill, tell stories and traditions, and can last for generations, becoming true family treasures, but also religious works that can be found in churches and temples.
Wood as a Canvas for Paintings
Painting on wood is an ancient practice that dates back centuries. Wooden boards have been used as a support for religious paintings, portraits, and landscapes. Wood provides a solid, durable surface that can be primed with gesso to create a smooth, even base. This type of support allows artists to experiment with different techniques, such as oil painting, acrylic, and tempera. The grain of the wood can add an extra dimension to the painting, creating texture and depth that cannot be achieved with traditional canvas. Additionally, wood is less susceptible to damage from humidity and temperature changes, making it an excellent choice for artwork that is meant to last.
A Work of Art to Wear
Wearing wooden jewelry is a way to carry a piece of nature and art with you. Each piece of jewelry tells a story, not only through the design and materials used, but also through the wood itself, which has lived and grown for years before being transformed into a work of art. Wood in jewelry is a popular material for unique and precious creations. Artisans carve, sculpt and paint to create beautiful and meaningful pieces. Wooden jewelry can be simple and natural or ornate and detailed, often combined with other materials such as precious metals, stones and pearls. The lightness of wood makes it especially suitable for jewelry such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets that can be worn comfortably for long periods. Additionally, wood can be stained and painted to add vibrant colors and intricate designs, making each piece unique.
In conclusion, wood is much more than a simple material, it is a silent witness of the past, a functional element of the present and a work of art for the future. Its beauty and versatility continue to inspire and connect us with nature and our roots.
I love painting on wood. You will find in the collections many of my works made on wood panel, and this year I also created some jewelry.
Come and see the new 2024 wooden creations,
see the collection Original Paintings and Creations