There are art galleries, photo galleries and then there are galleries that feature items that began as part of Mother Nature's wood products. A craftsman takes a select piece of wood and, over time, turns it into something desirable and useful. With care and unique talent, artists who work in wood also produce award-winning items.
Such is the nature of Tree Fever Turnings in Kimberley, British Columbia. Using woods such as pine and Douglas fir, as well as numerous exotic hardwoods, Matthias Boening produces antique and contemporary furniture, gifts and décor items. In addition, customers have asked the craftsman to produce custom jewellery boxes and wood lampshades.
The work is a combined effort of Boening, who does all the "turning" of the wood, and his wife, who assists with finishing the "useful art." One of the more interested facts about the award-winning work of this British Columbia artist is the fact that he worked for many years as a chef before changing directions to become a self-taught artist.
Because Boening strives to produce useful items, those intended to hold foods or other items that might damage the finish, are sealed with care. Each custom item comes with a label that shows the type of wood used. Boening also signs each piece. In recent years, the craftsman has used exotic and rare hardwoods from Brazil, Africa and Venezuela, in addition to native Canadian maple. Items featured include large dresser of pine, tables with walnut inlay, platters and mugs using quality hardwoods. Tree Fever Turnings is located at 136 Wallinger Avenue, Kimberley, BC. (250) 427-2280.
