A new beginning.

A random dip into past but not too distant endeavours.

It started with a stick.

This tree fell down in high winds behind our caravan. It invited me to make something out of it. An opportunity for transformation. Since the entire tree was ‘available’, I thought it a unique opportunity to make a walking stick out of its main central stem. It is a lawson’s cypress, also considered a cedar. The wood was very straight with a surprisingly thick bark. Its scent aromatic. Being a novice woodworker this process provided my apprenticeship into the world of stick making.

We (me and my son) swapped bricks for wheels in 2021, a year that marks a milestone of new beginnings for many souls on the earth plane. This spot above is the fifth one to welcome us. The line of cypress permanently grounded keeping a watchful eye on our abode… and the little Christmas pine, out front, gently rooted in a pot of soil taking as little as necessary to allow for a nomadic life. It has come with us everywhere.

The fallen cypress, from which I made my first stick is still standing in this picture, above. Perhaps it grew tired of the weight of responsibility that comes from being connected to everything. Perhaps it longed for transformation. Perhaps it wished to be free.

With my second stick I decided to try my hand at carving and I was drawn to Celtic patterns. Most likely my ancestors have whispered this to me.

In an attempt to remain connected to the earth I introduced copper into the sticks, as copper is one of the most conductive metals there is and is easy to work with. In the picture above I attached a brass ferrule (brass is made of copper and zinc) but later I was able to replace it with a pure copper ferrule.

Awaiting and undergoing the process of transformation. After my first fallen tree, I went scouting for other 'sources'. I discovered that fresh, green hazel is remarkably well suited to the task, providing it has the opportunity to dry out. The process can begin right away with the peeling of the skin, if (as was the case for me) the branch is acquired in early spring. Underneath the bark awaits an impeccably smooth texture, suggesting the promise of an easy job. But it never is!

And just like that… kai's earth sticks were born!

To be continued!