Kevin Reiswig
Furniture maker
Port Townsend, WA, USA
Recommended by American Craft Council
In conversation with the trees
- Kevin takes a regenerative approach to the art of woodworking
- His sculptural furniture is deeply shaped by nature and its vast forms
- Learning about and caring for forests is a part of his process
Kevin Reiswig makes both furniture and sculpture, but to him they are not separate concepts. "Furniture is just sculpture with a very specific function to the human body,” he says. “Sculptures that do not serve the human body have different purposes, such as defining the character of a space or telling stories that are difficult to convey in words.” Kevin's creations aim to shed light on the preservation and lifecycle of trees. He spends plenty of time outdoors near his home in Port Townsend, Washington, where he dedicates himself to learning about the trees around him and regularly plants seedlings. Kevin prioritises responsible harvesting practices, and uses as much reclaimed wood as he can in creating his pieces, from benches and chairs to chests, tables and coat racks.
INTERVIEW
I have been tinkering with wood since I was a child: I helped build nesting boxes for my family’s chicken coop in Ohio when I was 11. In college, I majored in studio art and sharpened my skills by interning at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Colorado. I later moved to Chicago to work closely with other artists before eventually settling in Port Townsend.
My work is a consistent and tangible reminder of my relationship with nature. I work primarily with wood, which is a living and breathing material. It is arguably one of the most precious materials in the universe, and I am continuously inspired by its natural variations and capabilities.
I am committed to planting trees every year to offset both my wood consumption and my carbon footprint. I use as much salvaged or repurposed wood as possible, and when I need to purchase materials, I make sure they are ecologically certified or locally harvested.
Moving to Port Townsend, Washington and opening my own studio were huge turning points for me. I was able to build my own space specifically for my needs and the way I like to create. Connecting with the community of artists here has allowed me to explore my creative ideas in ways I never could before.
