Once the wood was sourced in volumes corrosponing to the amount of the species found in the Starker Forest, it was ripped into various widths and thicknesses. The combination of thicknesses and widths made for a complex puzzle to solve to get the artistic look wanted for the panels. The team devised a plan to redistribute strips in a random pattern, lazer engrave them with the scientific name, attach them to a backer, and then cut to it’s final shape.

The process went smoothly thanks to our expert team. One tricky challenge was to figure out how to insert the long slices into the laser machine. The machine was not meant for such a project, but ultimately, our programmer, J.R. was successful in finding both a safe and funtional way to make it happen.

With all of the slices lasered and cut to size, master craftsman Jim thoughtfully laid them out and attached them to the backer. This step was where much of the artistry entered the picture. The mix of species, thicknesses, widths, and natural wood characteristics provided almost unlimited options but great opportunity. Jim did an awesome job of mixing it all up and organizing it into a beautiful, artful piece. Finally, the six panels were sent to the CNC machine where J.R. carefully cut of the precise silhouette of Mary’s Peak and the horizon. Next Time: Final prep and delivery!