PineSkins
PineSkins is a versatile, leather-like material made of inner bark of pine trees, a by-product of the tree cutting industry. Ranging from earthy brown to pink, deep terracotta to ash-grey and a scent of wood, PineSkins carries a unique appearance that feels familiar yet unseen.
The bark colours itself during the softening process. This photo shows the transformation from fresh bark to its final tones - earthy brown to ash grey.
A tribute to the pine tree
In order to become flexible, the freshly harvested bark of a pine tree (Pinus Sylvestris) is treated with a bio-softening solution and natural wax. The tactile material remains soft for long periods of time within a normal home ambience while also keeping its woody scent.
PineSkins is a great material for various interior applications, such as walls, surfaces, veneer alternative.
On a broader level PineSkins looks at the resources of forests. It aims to create alternative production paradigms for the tree cutting industry with less emphasis on timber production. It does so by using small scale tree cutters as a network for bark access while they perform seasonal cutting. It then creates a new craft that generates income for local communities and creates appreciation for unassuming materials from the local forest.
PineSkins Rugs, 2019
PineSkins artwork, 2023
PineSkins bag, 2015
PineSkins texture, 2019
PineSkins Rug, 2019
Pineskins basket, 2015
PineSkins flakes
PineSkins surface
PineSkins Artwork, 2023
PineSkins rug, 2015
Different textures
freshly cut pine tree
PineSkins basket detail, 2020
Exhibition "Our Time on Earth" 2023 / Photo Courtesy: Franklin Till