The Story of a Whale Board

The idea for this project was born from more than just a desire to craft a cutting board; it was a tribute to a deeply personal history. It began with an old apple tree in my father’s garden, a silent witness to years of family moments. The wood from this tree, carefully harvested and left to age for years in the quiet stillness of his barn, held a rich potential. Working with this material felt like honoring a legacy, giving new life and purpose to something so intrinsically tied to my memories.

The Union of Elegance and Nature

The whale was a deliberate choice as a motif, creating a profound connection to the delicate art of sushi, which so often celebrates the bounty of the sea. The lightness, simplicity, and elegance of sushi are deliberately reflected in the gentle, flowing form of the whale. This design choice is not coincidental; it’s a harmonious interplay, where the organic shape of the wood becomes a stage for a culinary masterpiece, allowing the beauty of the food and the board to enhance one another.

Craftsmanship in Execution

The process of bringing this vision to life was an act of patience and precision. From the aged wood block, a flat surface was first planed by hand. This methodical, rhythmic work revealed the stunning, warm grain hidden within. The whale’s silhouette was then precisely cut out using a scroll saw, a tool that allowed for the intricate curves and smooth lines that give the piece its graceful character. For the soy sauce bowls, I chose elder wood, a beautiful contrast to the applewood, which I turned myself on a lathe. The dramatic visual contrast between the dark heartwood and the pale, structured sapwood of the elder wood gives these small bowls a truly unique character. Finally, the entire surface was treated with a generous coat of natural, food-safe linseed oil. This finish not only protects the wood but also deepens its color, allowing the natural patterns to shine through, creating a piece that is as beautiful as it is functional.

Conclusion

This whale sushi board is more than just serving ware. It is a testament to the patient process of woodworking, a piece that tells a story of family, history, and the beauty found in nature. It invites you to savor a moment of tranquility and experience the harmony that exists when food and handcrafted design come together to create a cherished memory.