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Jennifer Urbanczyk
Urban Tree Company is a tree service based in San Antonio, Texas. We use the wood harvested and reclaimed from tree jobs in the wood products we create in our wood shop. When called to remove historic oaks, massive pecan trees, or other heritage trees, I find the beauty in the tree and bring that forth in the products we create. The trees have stories, have provided so much to our neighborhoods, homes and landscapes. I think it is important to preserve their beauty and usefulness, beyond their end. When I create a simple spoon, I can share the story of the tree that it came from so that people can connect to the history and value a simple piece of cooking ware as something more. Our tables show the growth patterns, rings and shapes of the trees they came from. These pieces will carry their story to future generations. The massive tree trunks and logs from historic oaks can be used in outdoor scapes, kids using their branches and exploring their trunks after the roots are gone. The goal of my work is to bring connection to ordinary wooden items in our lives we take for granted. People are drawn to our pieces because they are raw, local and beautiful. I try to bring out the inherent beauty in each fallen tree. I hope to share these logs, slabs and pieces in public art spaces with others and in my own work.
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Artist Statement of Work
Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):
Tree and yard waste is a huge issue in Texas and America. This waste is a major contributor to landfill waste. And that is a bummer because so much of this wood is so beautiful and useful. Our goal is to repurpose every log we take in and make it usable. We make spoons and cutting boards because its fun and simple. But what we're trying to show people is just how beautiful wood is inherently. We don't paint or stain our work, we finish it with natural oils so the beauty can show itself. We want to instill an appreciation for trees in every piece we create.
And wood is BIG. When we take historic Texas trees down we are left with immense slabs and root balls that w2e can create with. We have sculpted headboards and vanities out of root balls. We can use oak slabs in outdoor furniture, parks and play scapes because its so hefty and durable.
In this work I want to pay homage to the lives of these trees and give them new function in their after life. Teaching the public that a tree can be just as valuable as a table, park bench or play scape will help keep this "waste" out of landfills and offer more appreciation for the long life it lived here among us.
