The maker
Conscious Wood is the work of one pair of hands - guided by patience, purpose, and a lifelong love of nature.
My name is Wessel Gresse, and I am the creator behind Conscious Wood - a Namibian-born photographer and woodworker who specialises in solid wood joinery.
Conscious Wood originated from my conviction to create high-quality furniture through ethically sourced wood, by means of foraging through nature's discarded piles or using repurposed timber. Fuelled by my need for authentic artistic expression, I aim to create exclusive pieces of functional art by blending the various influences that have shaped me within my work.
Twenty-two years guided by the grain
My love for woodwork started in early adolescence when I was introduced to the subject in school. Over the years, I have been privileged to explore woodwork in a variety of forms - from shop-fitting to construction - but my one true love has always been creating one-of-a-kind artisan furniture.
Growing up so close to nature in the Okavango in Northern Namibia, I found an ever-expanding understanding and love for Mother Earth at a very young age. It is this love that has been my greatest influence in how I approach woodwork. Throughout my 22 years in the trade, I have witnessed how the unethical use of wood can destroy the beauty of nature.
From Namibian art to sacred geometry
During my youth I was mesmerized by the art I observed from the local Namibian tribes. For the duration of my schooling at Hermanus High, it was my woodwork teacher, Mr. Palmer, who played a monumental role in mentoring me and fuelling my interest in woodwork. Upon finishing my schooling, I left for England, where I was exposed to an abundance of different art modalities, and was drawn to the works of UK-based fine-furniture maker David Savage.
The ancient art of stereotomy is another big influence for me - the art of cutting three-dimensional solids into geometrically precise shapes, so they fit together perfectly. Since stepping into adulthood, I have been captivated by the ancient Japanese art of Kumiko: arranging small wooden pieces within a lattice to produce intricate patterns that slot together and remain in place through pressure alone. Kumiko also initiated my fascination with sacred geometry, which I have endeavoured to weave into my art and custom commissions ever since.
A meeting point between craft and consciousness - where every creation is guided by respect for Mother Earth.