Wood is inseparably linked to human history and culture. From mankind’s earliest use of sticks for shelter, warmth and gathering food, the increasingly complex ways that we have used and understood this material reflect the history of civilization itself. What can wood can teach us about ecology, human history, ingenuity and culture? By examining wood's role across several diverse cultures, this class considers our ever evolving relationship to wood through its use in architecture, art and design. We study the work of artists and designers and examine the lore and mythology of wood through literary works. The class includes a practical studio component in which students learn historic and contemporary woodworking techniques, respond to carpentry design challenges, and develop a kinesthetic knowledge and materials understanding through the exploration and manipulation of wood and wood-based materials.
