Discover nature's artistry, handcrafted for your home
Over a thousand years ago, Chinese scholars began the tradition of displaying stones on a wooden base (Gongshi) as a means for contemplating the beauty and power of nature. This tradition spread to Korea (Suseok) and Japan (Suiseki) where they added their own traditions that reflected their culture and local geology. While the collection and display of stones continues to be a popular art form throughout Asia, it is relatively unknown here in the West. I'd like to change that. At Rocks on Wood, I try to blend the raw beauty of Vermont's natural rocks with the warmth of handcrafted wooden bases. Each piece is a unique celebration of the earth's artistry, meticulously prepared to bring a touch of the outdoors into your living space. Explore my collection and find a piece that resonates with your appreciation for nature and fine craftsmanship.
My collection (Vermont Viewing Stones)
I have personally collected each rock during hunting trips across Northern Vermont. From the Green Mountains to the shores of Lake Champlain and all the streams and rivers that feed it, any publicly accessible areas where rocks can be found are likely candidates for my scrutiny. Other than cleaning, the rocks are not modified or polished and are displayed in their natural state. As you will see, each of my rocks are quite different from each other. However, the one thing they have in common is they had caught my eye and imagination due to their color, texture, unusual weathering, geological history or resemblance to something familiar. Take a browse through my collection and see whether one of my rocks speaks to you.
My craft
There is no magic to setting a stone in wood, and it is pretty simple in theory. The stone is traced onto the wood and wood is removed until the stone is freestanding. Then using powdered chalk or carbon paper to help identify the contact points between the stone and wood, wood is removed until the stone is secured at the desired depth. While this may seem pretty straightforward, the challenge lies in how long it takes to complete this process. It takes me an average of a day and a half just to set a stone. That means lifting the stone into place, rapping it with a hand or mallet, removing bits of wood and then repeating this process hundreds of times. This requires a lot of stamina and patience.
The magic happens when the wood is shaped in a way that allows the stone to "tell its story". The wood type, color and grain pattern are all considered when paired with the stone, and the overall design intended to complement the stone without becoming a distraction.
Contact me
Rocks on Wood operates as an online shop, serving customers who appreciate natural art and handcrafted goods.
Business location
Georgia, Vermont, United States
Inquiries
(802) 782-2606
info@rocksonwood.com