PROFILE
The flesh wood logs are used
Green woodworking is a woodworking technique.
Using small diameter trees that are not used as timber
I mainly make Nordic style spoons.
The process of making the logs is done using only hand tools.
Listening to the voice of living wood
I value creating together.
*Green woodworking is a method of working with fresh, green wood logs.
Use hand tools such as axes and knives to make tools necessary for daily life.
It is a new type of woodworking that incorporates the wisdom of our ancestors.
Mariko KAWABATA
Green woodworker / Spoon carver
Owner of HÖBAL SPOON
Born in Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture, currently living in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture
Graduated from the Department of Industrial Design at Nagaoka Institute of Design
(majored in textile design)
2017, upon moving to Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture,
began making cutlery from dried wood
2019, after a chance experience with green woodworking,
shifted to making products using flesh wood
Creating works
Exhibiting at craft fairs in Japan
Selling on website and in stores, etc.
(A portion of website sales will be donated to the Green Fund,
which is used for forest maintenance activities, etc.)
Practicing a lifestyle that incorporates green woodworking
Published on Instagram and YouTube
Planning and holding events for citizens that combine
green woodworking and forest learning Forest Conservation Club in Motosu City
(Hino Motors Green Fund Grant Project, 2022)
And establishing the Green Woodworking Club
Participating in forest conservation activities and teaching green woodworking, etc.
Activities to increase the number of people who "grow forest trees and use them in their daily lives"
Gifu National College of Technology Department of Civil Engineering Lecture/Training (2022)
Lecturer at COSA Otsuki spoon-making workshop in Otsuki, Kochi Prefecture (2023)
Small group lessons in the forest (2022-)
and more
Media
Web magazine NIIGATA SLOW LIVING HAKKOJIKAN.
Interview article ① (2023.2)
Interview article ② (2023.4)
[Past Exhibitions]
2023
Social Craft (Iha, Nanto City, Toyama)
Kiso Handicraft Market (Kiso Fukushima, Kiso Town, Nagano)
GIFU Craft Fair (Gifu City, Gifu)
Isuzu Forest Craft Fair vol.7 (Ise City, Mie)
Ogaki Creators Park (Ogaki City, Gifu)
2024
Village Mishima Rakujuen 2024 (Mishima City, Shizuoka)
Craft Fair Matsumoto Craft Square (Matsumoto City, Nagano)
Kiso Handicraft Market (Kiso Fukushima, Kiso Town, Nagano)
KOUBOUKARANOKAZE Craft in Action (Ichikawa City, Chiba)
Isuzu Forest Craft Fair vol.8 (Ise City, Mie)
Mariko KAWABATA
Greenwoodworker / Spooncarver
Born in Niigata Prefecture.
Graduated from Nagaoka Institute of Design,
Department of Industrial Design (Textile Design Major)
In 2017, Moved to Gifu Prefecture,
Started carving cutlery from dry wood.
And later shift to production using Greenwood.
My work can be purchased at craft fairs, exhibitions and webshop.