PETRIFIED WOOD: WORTH THE WAIT

Nature is the inspiration behind many manmade masterpieces. But when nature itself produces a masterpiece of its own, one must wait patiently because the process may take millions of years— and the result is inarguably awe-inspiring! The piece is a combination of beauty with time and soul; its output is refinement, symmetry and aesthetics that cannot be embraced in only one lifetime.

It is with this in mind that Gina Atienza and Tina Skrobanek of Java Pavilion with 32 Sanson by Rockwell presents an exhibit entitled Crystal Wood and Stone.

The exhibit displays delightful sights of petrified wood, crystal obsidians and Balinese stone carvings collected from their sojourn to exotic Indonesia. The pieces create an ambiance of peace, harmony and healing in one’s space, whether it be in one’s home or office.

The highlight of the show is the petrified wood made into stools, tables and home accessories. The petrified wood pieces were once giant trees felled by volcanic eruptions from another era. These trees remained a hidden mystery as they morphed into stone starting with a process called perimineralization. These fossilized remains of terrestrial vegetation—uncovered millions of years after their uninterrupted sleep—were then gently turned into a polished art work, awakening the pieces of nature which used to be buried in deep slumber.

Beautiful pieces of obsidian were also displayed to show the fascinating product of volcanoes violently spewing lava. Also classified as a semi-precious stone, obsidian forms over time from the rapid cooling of lava proving that the most beautiful thing nature can offer can be found in places unreachable and untouched.

Hand-painted baskets, dot paintings and intricately carved wooden doors from Java stood out