Anthony Galli

Something that is important to who I am is carpentry. My interest in it began a couple years ago because of a dead tree.

A couple of years ago..

Behind my house stood a tall birch tree that had long since lost its life. As it was dead, our neighborhood association required us to remove it for safety reasons. (Otherwise I am not a big fan of deforestation)

When I learned of this, I pictured the tree that once stood tall being reduced to piles of wood chips. It felt like an unceremonious end to something that had stood there for decades. Rather than letting it go to waste, I wondered if I could do something else with it. I searched on YouTube and Google and found articles and videos of people turning tree stumps into tables. I was fascinated and wanted to try it.

When the workers arrived with their chainsaws, I asked them to leave a few stumps behind. Over several weeks, I prepared the stump step by step. From letting the stump dry, to stripping off the rough bark, to sanding it smooth, layer after layer. Through that dead tree, my interest in carpentry started. Since then, I have engaged in several other projects in my spare time. I have designed and created side tables, a bookshelf and a mini staircase. It is pastime for me to test my creativity and to just have fun.