+ SINGULAR TREE CONCEPT+
The Singular Tree Concept Also rooted in Long Island is Ian’s proprietary Singular Tree Concept. Though not exclusive to his creative practice, the terminology applies to his dedication to using entireties of wood pieces, which he locally sources from a fallen tree farm in Speonk. In an industry in which designs are determined with little flexibility, materials waste is often very high, because no standardizations apply to using leftovers for additional, potentially complementary projects. Ian’s approach, on the other hand, is to source material first; the designs come second, upending the hierarchy to reprioritize the resource of wood and to let it determine what can be made of it. Because Ian is making use of trees’ full remains in his product line, his work ranges from large-scale furniture to smaller objet, and eschews a customary, seasonal collection concept in order to produce according to the materials made available to him by the constraints of nature's refuse.
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SPALTED OAK TREE
This tree was taken down from my property due to high winds compromising the structure. After it was taken down it sat to dry for a few years. Over time the logs became “spalted” which are the black veiny lines that give it character
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CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE
This tree is from the east end of Long Island and was taken from a property that cleared some trees. The pieces of the tree were taken to be sold for firewood. I fell in love with the variety of character in the grain and amount of burls the tree had.
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BLACK WALNUT TREE
This tree is from the east end of Long Island and is probably my favorite variety of tree to work with. The tree was taken from a property that cleared some trees. The pieces of the tree were taken to be sold for firewood. Each piece of this tree has its own unique character which has made it really special to work with.