Do you ever pass a building being torn down and wonder what happens to the rumble? Ever see an old barn about to fall down and wonder what good that would be to anyone? Do you ever drive past an old bookshelf or wooden chair on the side of the road and think “What a waste!”
There are some people reusing the wood from old buildings, barns, and furniture to make new, beautiful items. Sometimes the larger pieces can be used to make hardwood floors in new buildings. The smaller pieces can be used to make furniture, sculptures, or other home accessories.
Sean Springer is one sustainable artist who uses wood that would be otherwise headed for the landfill. Springer has worked with other renowned artists to hone his craft. He traveled to Shanghai to study under sculptor Zhang Yong Hao. He also did an internship with Dallas sculptor Brad Goldberg. In 2008, he started the Springer Design Studio, making custom pieces from reclaimed wood.
How does he find the wood that he reclaims to make beautiful tables, chairs, cutting boards, coasters, bowls, and other household accessories? By scouring the streets of Dallas for wooden items otherwise destined to become municipal waste.
Springer, who graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, was just named the First Artist in Residence at the Fairmont Dallas Hotel. The hotel wanted Springer because it focuses on limiting its impact on the environment. In fact, the Fairmont was named Green Hotel of the Year for two years in a row. While in residency, Springer will work on the Casa Linda FOG Wood collection and the Fairmont Residency Collection. He will remain with the hotel until March 30, 2011.
Of his work, Springer says, “Sculpture allows me to express my feelings metaphorically without words or lyrics. It embraces my curiosity for literal imagery, form and material.”