Harvested by Hand
This series of dragon kuksas are riffing off of old serpent forms I’ve seen in many old cultures, but especially norse and Scandinavia. Seen on roof gables, door hinges, locks, and drinking vessels. A powerful form, and something I like to dive into every so often. What makes each piece unique is that I like to intentionally improvise and push my skills so they evolve as I make them.
The vertical fluted outer bull adds another texture not just to the touch, but it also picks up and moves light.
Carved of a beautifully figured black cherry, a wood I love for its two tone buttery sapwood and warm fiery heartwood. The cup just looks warm before you even pour coffee into it.
Finished with cold pressed 100% food grade pure linseed oil
Hold about 7.5oz
Everything I create is carved completely through tradition. Living, renewable materials, that are locally sourced, and expertly chosen. Exceptional quality raw ingredients - These are turned into beautiful, generation lasting woodenware you can use in your home.
Walking through the surrounding forest with my packbasket, I fell select trees with the qualities needed for each unique project. Since 2006, everything carved is made using handtools- axe & knife, by utilizing the wood fibers' grain alignment to create strong craft.
Wood is a sustainable and renewable resource, unlike plastic - and, for eating utensils, much warmer and softer on the mouth than metal. Just like a chef relies on perfect ingredients to create fine dishes, I harvest my trees as the farmer would his crops - with the utmost care and respect for the tree. I carve "green” wood meaning alive and full of sap. I therefore use my own careful drying techniques to deliver perfect, ready-to-ship items.
Unlike most modern woodworking which utilizes factory kiln dried wood and industrial sanding - my work achieves silky smooth finishes from a polished knife cut. No workshop, power outlets, safety goggles, ear protection, or respirators are needed. Just the clean and quiet cutting of wood fibers, as it has been done since ancient times. In complete harmony and balance with nature.
I feel that knowing where and how a product and it's materials are sourced, is a special and rare thing in our modern throw away culture.
— Alex Yerks, American Sloyd
#stopthrowawayculture
It’s time I offered my most requested eating spoon style on demand. Now you can order this spoon in a color you select, as well as what finial you would like on top. Want a gilded heart? A skull with nails for eyes? An eternal flame? Or a painted gem?
Or if you’re feeling adventurous you can select the “Surprise Me” option and allow me full artist’s control - this is where I have the most fun experimenting with texture and color combinations. Multi-layered paint effects of contrasting colors which won’t dissappoint.