The Timber Series

Wood: America's Renewable Resource

My journey began down a gravel road in rural Tennessee, a winding path that led me into a vast expanse of 145 acres, where towering trees and rolling hills formed a stunning backdrop for countless adventures. This land, rich in natural beauty, had been a sanctuary for my imagination, a playground where I could explore the depths of my creativity and the wonders of nature. Over the course of sixteen formative years, I traversed these acres, carving out paths through the dense underbrush and reveling in the majesty of the oak trees and various hardwoods that populated this cherished property. It was a space that felt intrinsically mine, a personal Eden where I could connect with the earth and dream of endless possibilities. Yet, as life often teaches us, all possessions are only borrowed for a time, even when we might feel a sense of ownership over them. The realization that this land, once a steadfast part of my identity, was no longer solely mine marked the beginning of a profound transformation in my life.

Thus, my unique timbering journey commenced, and I found myself in the remarkable position of being able to witness the intricate process of timber harvesting unfold before my eyes. While some individuals might approach such a change with bitterness or resistance, lamenting the loss of the familiar landscape they once knew, I chose to adopt a different perspective. Instead of viewing this transformation as a negative occurrence, I embraced it as an opportunity for growth and understanding. I sought to delve deeply into the world of timbering, not just as an outsider looking in, but as a curious artist eager to explore the nuances of this industry through a creative lens.

Over the course of a year, I meticulously documented this evolving landscape, capturing its essence through a series of photographs and paintings that encapsulated the beauty and complexity of the timbering process. My artistic endeavor became a twelve-month chronicle of change, reflecting not only the physical alterations to the land but also the impact of extreme weather conditions that shaped the environment. Each season brought its own challenges and triumphs, influencing the growth and harvesting of trees to meet the ever-increasing demand for lumber in our country.

In this journey, I also had the privilege of observing the dedicated men who worked tirelessly to bring down the trees with precision and care. These skilled professionals expertly manipulated heavy machinery, orchestrating a symphony of efficiency as they transformed the landscape in an organized manner. Their labor was not merely a job; it was a vital contribution to the larger ecosystem of our society, where the wood harvested would ultimately find its way into various products, from beautifully crafted furniture to oak barrels used for aging fine whiskey. Perhaps some of it would even be transformed into veneer, adding elegance and warmth to countless homes.

Regardless of the differing opinions that onlookers might hold, we are all, in one way or another, consumers of this intricate process. We are interconnected with the cycles of nature and industry, each of us playing a role in the broader narrative of resource consumption and sustainability. Therefore, I invite you to join me in this exploration of timbering, an investigation into the multifaceted process of harvesting this renewable resource. Together, we can appreciate the artistry involved in timbering, the stories woven into each tree, and the profound relationship we share with the land that sustains us.

Before The Reward, Digital B&W Photography on Hahnemühle Digital Fine Art Paper

The Collection

The Glow of The Landscape, Oil on Linen, 2021

Paintings, Polaroid Pictures, Photography, Engravings & Digiograph Art

"Our landscapes connect us to our history; they are the source of our character as a people, as well as our health, our safety, and our prosperity. Natural resources enrich us economically, yes. But they also enrich us aesthetically and recreationally and culturally and spiritually".

Robert Kennedy, Jr.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P.O. Box 277

Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578

931-881-7806

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