This functional sculptural bench was constructed from a single slab of California pepper wood. I am drawn to wood for both its beauty and utility and often return to it as a medium because it invites touch carries history and rewards close attention. The form is guided by the wood’s existing grain knots and imperfections rather than imposed geometry allowing the material to determine structure and visual rhythm. Natural fissures and irregularities are preserved as evidence of time growth and use.

I built this bench as a student in 2015 and it continues to function in my daily life as a study bench for both pets and humans. Cleanly finished planes and deliberate joinery coexist with live edges cracks and exposed knots emphasizing honesty in construction and legibility of process. The piece reflects my interest in sustainability material ethics and the idea that design gains meaning through continued use and long term engagement.