Spalting is by far my favorite irregularity of wood. The unique pattern draws me in, and I find myself following the lines with my eyes, getting lost in the beauty of it all. The prominent black lines contrast against the light wood in a way that seems unnatural but is still the embodiment of "organic".
Spalting in wood is caused by fungi and is usually found in dead trees. Colonies of fungi attack the wood and establish boundaries securing their region. The black lines represent the borders of each warring colony. There is a noticeable difference in the quality of spalted wood. While it is very pretty, the fungi softens the wood making it most suitable for decorative uses.
The wood used for these vases came from a once mighty maple tree that stood tall in my parents' backyard. Somewhere there exists a picture of the luscious garden the tree shaded years ago. From what I can recall of the picture, the garden was home to many beautiful flowers and looked like the perfect spot to escape the hustle & bustle of Hazel Green. Today all that remains is the stone fireplace that was sure to have been host to many picturesque evenings.
This wood is a part of the history of Hazel Green and will live on in its new life as art.
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