Rod Townsend

Xylem Vessels are unique creations constructed from exotic wood veneers finished in their natural colors or enhanced with colorful wood dyes. They are designed as functional ornaments. Each vessel has an interior coating of waterproof epoxy resin and can be used to display fresh or dried flowers.

As a biologist, I have always been fascinated by the diversity of shapes and colors to be found in the natural world. I find inspiration in huge tropical leaves, brilliantly colored flowers, strange shaped seed pods, seashells and even ripples in the sand. Xylem Vessels are my attempt to capture a little of that diversity and beauty in simple, yet elegant wooden forms. Each design is unique and copyrighted.

Xylem Vessels draw heavily on my experience as an amateur furniture maker. It has taken many experiments and modifications to perfect the technique for making these vessels to the point where I am satisfied with the quality and durability of the finished pieces. Furthermore, working with veneers rather than solid wood offers a more sustainable way to enjoy the beauty of domestic and tropical hardwoods.

Many veneers are so beautiful, they just have to be finished in their natural colors. Others can be enhanced by careful staining with vibrant wood dyes. The most complicated Xylem Vessels are made from multiple pieces of interlocking and individually stained pieces of veneer.

Why Xylem Vessels? Xylem Vessels are the elongated cells that transport water from the roots to the very tops of tall trees. It just seemed a fitting name.