The Art of Transformation: Spencer Peterman's Wooden Wonders
Located in the beautiful New England area, Spencer Peterman's artisan studio is at the forefront of sustainable craftsmanship, breathing new life into fallen trees through exquisite handcrafting techniques. With an unwavering commitment to environmental consciousness, Spencer Peterman creates unique wooden bowls, serving boards, and kitchenware that not only serve a functional purpose but also tell a story about their natural origins.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Every wooden piece designed by Spencer Peterman begins with a fallen tree sourced from local forests in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Where many see waste, Spencer perceives potential and beauty. His artistic vision and years of expert experience allow him to transform decomposed wood into heirloom-quality items, each reflecting the distinct history of the tree from which it originated. Michele Peterman, co-owner and spouse, emphasizes this philosophy by stating that every imperfection in the wood reveals the fascinating narrative of the tree’s journey, making each piece one-of-a-kind.
The Passionate Hands Behind the Craft
Spencer's journey into woodworking began over 25 years ago; he initially made his mark as a basket weaver, crafting traditional Nantucket baskets. It was his adventure in reclaiming fallen trees that sparked a fervent passion for woodturning. The abundance of locally sourced timber serving as both inspiration and raw material led him to find a creative outlet that suited his interests and values. Since 2007, Michele has joined Spencer to form a dynamic duo driving their studio's success, uniting her artistic talent with entrepreneurial skill.
Celebrating Nature Through Craftsmanship
Spencer Peterman's operations hinge on a sustainable ethos, ensuring that no new timber is cut down for their crafting needs. Instead, they selectively use naturally fallen trees that would otherwise be discarded. Highlights of their collection include:
- - Bowls: Hand-turned in both classic round and organic oval shapes, crafted from materials such as burl, spalted maple, and ambrosia maple.
- - Boards: Beautiful serving and cutting boards that are crafted from spalted maple, perfect for daily use or special occasions.
- - Servers: Ingeniously made from upcycled bowl blanks, these servers seamlessly match with the iconic bowls and boards of the collection.
Additionally, the material finishing process utilizes food-safe, all-natural oils, maintained through traditional ebonizing methods. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled local artisans in their workshop located in Gill, Massachusetts.
Where to Experience Spencer Peterman's Craft
Visitors interested in discovering the artistry behind each creation can explore the complete Spencer Peterman collection, which is available both online and at two present storefronts in Massachusetts: the
Gill Gallery situated beautifully among the hills and the
Boston Public Market, an indoor marketplace that showcases artisans and locally sourced products year-round.
Honoring Craftsmanship and Community
Since its inception, Spencer Peterman has grown from a modest artisan studio into an esteemed brand synonymous with quality and sustainability. Each handcrafted piece is not just an item; it is a testimony to the bond between nature and craftsmanship, a reflection of their dedication to environmental stewardship, and a commitment to the community.
In a world striving for fast consumerism, Spencer Peterman stands out as a beacon of hope and creativity, demonstrating that waste can be transformed into art, products can be beautiful and functional, and sustainability can be a celebration of nature’s imperfections.