The Shape of Wood Sculpts Found Wood Into Gorgeous Bowls & More

First-time Firefly, The Shape of Wood, will showcase stunning designs at our Holiday Market. Artisan Peter Cozens creates functional #EverydayArtForLife from locally sourced and rescued wood. Peter sculpts bowls, cutting boards, planters, furniture and accepts commissions. Visit our new artisan at our Holiday Market on Old South Gaylord Street in Wash Park, Denver November 20 & 21.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was raised in Connecticut, lived in North Carolina for 25 years, and have been in Denver for 5 years. I work in construction and found a passion for woodworking as an art form. In addition to woodworking I ski, hike, camp, mountain bike, and road bike.

What led you to start woodworking?
I’ve always enjoyed woodworking. Six years ago I decided to find an artistic outlet and woodturning really appealed to me. I started with a used lathe and expanded with gifts from friends.

Who or what most inspires your work?
I follow a large number of makers on Instagram (and there is a fascinating global community of artisans!). Their work is amazing. All of our items are made from solid wood and may include imperfections that are part of this everyday art. These Wabi-Sabi features include cracks and knots that do not impact the quality or usefulness. Most often, what I create is determined by the wood; I let the wood talk to me. 

Where do you source your wood from?
All wood is sourced hyper-locally, mostly right in the Park Hill neighborhood where my wife and I live. We salvage wood that would otherwise go to the chipper and landfill (at least we hope it is composted). Seeing so many beautiful and old resources like this being wasted, when they could be made into something beautiful, is very sad; so we’re keen to use these resources to give them new life! If someone is taking a tree down on their property, let us know and we will return to the donor a bowl from their tree. Or, if it is nearby, please contact us and we’ll investigate! 

Can you tell us about that process?
I have a large group of neighborhood “spies” who tell me when a tree is coming down. I will connect with the tree surgeon or the homeowner for permission, and then coordinate and pick up what I need. I usually make a free bowl for the donor of the wood. More often than not, they are sad to lose their tree and appreciate this meaningful keepsake.

Have you ever made a piece that you refused to part with?
My wife always falls in love with my work and I have to pry the pieces from her hands. We kept the first bowl I made her (from a very large Silver Maple in front of our home) and also a lovely Linden bowl we use every day.

Any advice for those looking to get into woodworking?
Find your way to express yourself. There is no magic, only the spark that lights your creative fire.

Is there anything we haven’t asked that you would like us to know?
Tell your friends and neighbors NOT to waste beautiful trees in the landfill. Trees are a precious resource! It’s important that we use our talents to further appreciate these natural resources in a new form.

What are you looking forward to most as a new Firefly Handmade artisan?
Meeting new folks and telling our story. We really form a bond with people who stop and visit with us.

Connect with The Shape of Wood at Firefly Handmade Holiday Market, November 20 & 21, on Old South Gaylord Street, Washington Park, Denver.