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Wood working is a rewarding passion that produces art that can fulfill both aesthetic and utilitarian functions. Carving wood to create furniture, sculptures, and other items is an ancient craft. Some of the earliest art objects, including figures of deities, were produced by selecting a special type of wood and molding it into an anthropomorphic or zoomorphic form. Some of the most famous musical instruments became prized especially for the unique acoustic qualities that quality woods can lend. The artists that work with wood today are fortunate to have at their fingertips many varieties of wood that are capable of producing many different effects. Each variety of tree has certain properties that are more or less suitable for different types of art. Traditional wisdom and scientific experiment have come together to give us a better understanding of each type of wood's special qualities. Here is a list of some of the most popular and sought-after exotic woods from around the world, which you can find at Cook Woods and other suppliers of woodworking supplies. All about Rosewood Rosewood comes from several different species of trees, Macacauba or Platymiscium pinnatumis. One of the finest types of rosewood grows in Brazil and is known as Amazon Rosewood. This wood is distinct for its color, which ranges from light pinks to deep coppery reds. The wood is used in a number of artistic applications, from chairs and cabinets, to musical instruments and sculptures. The tones in the wood are warm and passionate, and can be used in pieces to create a fiery gallery presence. Qualities of Birch Birch is a light yellow and fine-grained wood. It's found in northern temperate climates. It is sometimes called the "watchful tree," as a result of patterns in birch planks that are reminiscent of observant eyes. It can be easily milled and carved, and is commonly found brightening living areas as flooring in commercial and residential spaces. Many artists use birch, especially where a light wood creates a striking contrast to darker wood or where the eye pattern could be particularly evocative. Working with Cocobolo Cocobolo is a wood that lives up to its lively name. It is also a rosewood, but has a wider range of colors and tones than Amazon Rosewood. It is sometimes called "rainbow wood" as a result of its spectrum of violet, red, and orange colors running through its center. It is highly-patterned, with streaks visible in finished wood-worked projects. Because it tends to be oily, artists are recommended to use an epoxy whenever trying to glue or attach pieces together. Plumbing the Depths of Ebony Ebony is a wood that has a rich color and texture, as inky as a night at sea or a strong cup of coffee. It's rare and is located near rivers in the heart of Africa. For this reason, it has been valued highly by artists and collectors as far back as the rein of the Egyptian pharaohs. Ebony is hard and can be unwieldy to work. However, under the right hands, the wood can be used to create striking 3-dimensional art. A Fine Mahogany Mahogany has long been prized for its shine and luster. Lending its name to describe warm-brown colors in general, the wood has been planted in popular imagination by countless artisan pieces of furniture, chests, and wood statues throughout the ages. It can be found in many parts of the world, but some of the best examples come from South and Central America. If you want to work with a hardwood that's warm, supple, and won't put up a huge fight, mahogany is carpenters' and artists' best friend. This wood can be found in different varieties at Cook Woods and other exotic wood suppliers.
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