For many years I have done woodworking projects. Nothing major, just a few benches, tables and such. One day I was in the shop and a scrap piece of white pine looked like it was just perfect for drawing a matrix upon. It might not look like much in the picture, but in person it’s pretty cool. It has a hand-rubbed satin finish. I left the stain lines for that aged look. Yes, in the lower right it’s signed, dated and numbered (#1).
After completing #1 I remembered I had some 200+ year-old pieces of reclaimed beams from a house in Hallowell, Maine. The tops had rotted a bit, but most of the rest of the beam was good.
Piece of 200+ year old beam.
- Inside the old beam.
Those familiar with woodworking will notice the wood is sitting on a band saw. That’s what I use to “slice” the beam into about a one-inch thick board. From there I remove the rot, sand it smooth, draw a matrix and then put some wipe on finish. Here are a few of them:
This one is called “3 Nail Holes.”
The back of this one is rough, so I named it “Splinters.”
This one has the most pumpkin color so far.
As best I can tell this wood is pine, and it’s very close to pumpkin in color.
I have made some more, including from a piece of Pennsylvania redwood. I included the four questions on this piece.
Pennsylvania redwood with 4 Questions
All of these pieces are easy to hold with a smooth, satin finish. I set them in my office where people can pick them up while talking about toward and away stuff.
None of these are for sale; I’m making them for family, colleagues and my private students. I date and sign each one on the back.
Obviously these projects are a bit labor intensive for most people, but there must be many other ways people can do “Arts and Crafts Matrixes.” Construction paper, scissors and paste come to mind for the younger crowd (the matrix is used in some classrooms), and there must be many more possible matrix projects.
I will post them as I get ideas.
Be well,
Kevin
Kevin
The wooden matrixes are beautiful. I love that they are made from “damaged” wood with a rich history-a nice metaphor for all of us complicated humans out there.
Be well,
Beth
Beth,
I had not thought of them that way… How cool.
Be well right back at you 🙂
Kevin
It is truly useful information, thank you for giving me more new knowledge; I hope to read more of your article.
I also had some wood projects before. But these wooden matrixes are great for me.
I will try a matrix project like this soon
Thank you so much for sharing this knowledgeable blog for us, it is truly a great informative site. That is very helpful for us.
Very interesting. I really enjoy your article and found that it’s very helpful for me.
Thanks for the sharing!
Interesting Project. Looks like it was a great project. I got some good about matrix wood from your article.
Thanks.
Nice learning areas. Practicing some wood work with my kids at home!