Every building project reveals leftover pieces of metal, wood, plastic and any other materials used during construction. So often these scraps go unused and end up in landfills all over the world. But, Canadian artist Olga Oreshyna has a different plan for these abandoned pieces. With a passion for woodworking, Oreshyna creates unique pieces of art with wood scraps and gives them a second life. According to the Associated Oregon Loggers, it takes one tree 16 inches in diameter and 100 feet tall for every man, woman and child to meet their annual needs for paper, packaging, fiber compounds, lumber and panel products. Rather than cutting down trees to source the material that is needed for her art, Oreshyna instead recycles what has previously been used. For the past three years, Oreshyna has been collecting used wood from lumberyards and small packaging companies across Ontario. The inspiration for the 3D structures comes from each piece of wood itself. From long to short, to thick, to thin, she experiments with new ideas by playing with color, style, texture and shape, which ensures no two pieces are the same. Oreshyna’s company, Eccentricity of Wood, has participated in more than 30 exhibitions from 2010 through 2012. And, with a slew of awards under her belt, Oreshyna says that 2012 was her best year yet. “I display my artwork in interior design stores and websites,” Oreshyna tells 1-800-RECYCLING. “Also, I try to take part in as many exhibitions as possible to get as much attention from locals and outsiders who can than look me up online.” There are certainly plenty that have taken notice. Oreshyna says her clients are people with a sweet spot for nature who cherish a unique interior with an environmental conscience.

Oreshyna’s recycled wood panels vary in size, but perhaps their most unique selling point is that her larger panels are also used as sound diffusers. In fact, her pieces have become so well known that she has had multiple special orders from recording studios to assist with their acoustics. Oreshyna hopes that her art sends a positive message about recycling and reusing materials in creative ways. She says that it is her contribution to making our environment more healthy and beautiful while utilizing a greener building process. You can follow Eccentricity of Wood through Oreshyna’s website as well as Facebook.