The story of Full Grown, a unique venture crafting chair-shaped trees, is a testament to the power of patience and a creative vision. Gavin, the mastermind behind this project, draws inspiration from his childhood encounter with an overgrown bonsai tree, a moment that planted the seed for a decade-long journey.
A Personal Journey
Gavin's path to Full Grown is intertwined with his personal health struggles. His battle with Klippel–Feil syndrome, a rare condition, provided him with an unexpected gift: time for reflection and the cultivation of patience. It's a fascinating twist of fate that his medical journey mirrors the slow, deliberate process of shaping trees.
The Birth of Full Grown
After a period of furniture-making in California, where he experimented with driftwood, Gavin returned to Derbyshire with Alice, his long-time friend and eventual partner. Together, they founded Full Grown in 2006, combining Gavin's furniture background and Alice's communication skills. Their story is a beautiful example of how personal experiences can lead to innovative business ventures.
The Art of Shaping Trees
What makes Full Grown's work so intriguing is the lengthy process involved. It takes a full decade to shape a tree into a chair, a timescale that mirrors Gavin's own journey with his health. This slow, deliberate approach is a stark contrast to our fast-paced world, and it raises interesting questions about the value we place on time and patience.
Deeper Reflections
Full Grown's work challenges our perception of what is natural and what is man-made. By shaping trees into functional furniture, they blur the lines between art, nature, and design. It's a unique perspective that invites us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world and the potential for human creativity within it.
In conclusion, Full Grown's story is a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary ideas require an extraordinary amount of time and patience to flourish. It's a fascinating venture that offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of nature, art, and human ingenuity.
