About Ligneous Reincarnations
My Story
Welcome to Ligneous Reincarnations, a Minnesota-based company owned and operated by Dan Wenkel. Dan, a retired science teacher finds his inspiration in the natural world, while at the same time working to protect it. The raw materials for all of his work comes from locally-sourced reclaimed wood. Salvaged wood, discarded furniture, condemned trees and waste lumber are Dan's primary sources for his creations. Recycling this wood into beautiful and useful products takes it out of the waste stream and gives it a second chance as a reimagined wood product.
My Products
Dan creates a wide variety of utilitarian and artistic products. These include bowls, utensils. cutting boards, charcuterie boards, lamps, light fixtures and home decor. Dan's designs are distinctive and unique. All of the pieces are individually handmade without the use of automation. All products are uniquely designed, many being one-of-a-kind creations. Great care is taken in surfacing and finishing his products. The finishes are simple and food safe utilizing natural oils and waxes. Each piece is hand finished and meticulously inspected before being laser engraved. The final result is a distinctive and beautiful creation that has a unique look and feel. Whether keeping it for yourself or giving it as a gift, Dan's creations will have timeless appeal.
My Business
Ligneous (from the Latin Lignum) -of, or having the nature of wood, or woody
Reincarnation – the rebirth of the soul in another body or form.
The outer portion of our logo consists of the ouroboros which is an ancient symbol dating back to the 14th century BCE. It shows a dragon or serpent eating its own tail. Some of the earliest depictions of the ouroboros can be found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. This symbol often represents eternal cyclical renewal. The cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
This symbol resonated deeply with me as I take “dead” or discarded wood and give it a new “life” as a useful or beautiful new object. The ouroboros surrounds a beautiful tree which is the source of all wood.
My Aspiration
Wood tells a story. Its grain chronicles abundant rainfalls, droughts, fires, and injuries. Taken together, these events depict a unique and beautiful lifespan. While some wood tells its life story as a tree, other wood is cut, shaped, stained or painted. Its life story is altered, mixed together with other stories, or covered up altogether. All of my designs are made from discarded and reclaimed wood. I aspire to give discarded wood one more opportunity to tell a new and unique tale.
Stop by and take a look around. Feel free to drop me a line to say “hi” or ask a question.
Cheers!
Dan