"An Old Woman from Cyprus" by Antri PAFITI
Antri Pafiti is a woodcarver from Cyprus. From October 27 to November 1, 2025, the 16th "Yiding Cup" Woodcarving Skills Competition was held in Putian, China, where 40 woodcarving contestants from across the country reached the final. Antri Pafiti was invited as a guest demonstrator for the purpose of facilitating cross-culture dialogue and mutual learning through the universal language of art.
An Old Woman from Cyprus was created on site by Antri Pafiti. The artwork shows an old Cypriot woman sitting quietly and spinning wool with a traditional spindle called an adráchti. With calm and skillful hands, she twists the wool into thread – the first step in making cloth. Through this simple and peaceful moment, the artwork honors the strength, wisdom, and tradition of Cyprus – a connection between the past and the present. The spindle was a symbol of patience, creativity, and daily life for women in the Cypriot countryside. It was not only a tool for work, but also a part of their stories, songs, and memories.
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"Fishing by the Cold River" by YE Zhu
Born in 1983 in Yongjia County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, YE Zhu is a Master of Arts and Crafts of Hainan Province, a council member of the Hainan Arts and Crafts Association, a member of the China Arts and Crafts Association, and the representative inheritor of Yongjia Woodcarving, a regional intangible cultural heritage tradition. He began learning woodcarving in 2000 under his father and later studied with GAO Gongbo, a Master of Chinese Arts and Crafts.
In 2015, YE Zhu founded Wenzhou Muzhu Woodcarving Co., Ltd., which now serves as a non-intangible cultural heritage practice base for Tongji University and as an official intangible cultural heritage inheritance base in Yongjia County. His works have been exhibited and awarded at numerous cultural expos and design competitions. His piece International Dragon Boat was selected as a 2023 Wenzhou Featured Cultural Gift.
From June 7 to June 11, 2025, YE Zhu was invited to participate in the Iran–China Woodcarving Cultural Exchange Event, organized by the International Wood Culture Society. During the exchange, he created Fishing by the Cold River on site.
Artwork Title: Fishing by the Cold River
Artwork description: In this work, the artist preserves approximately 70% of the wood’s original bark and natural form, carving upon it a smiling elderly Chinese fisherman. Holding a fishing rod and carrying a basket full of fish, the figure returns home with a rich catch. The piece symbolizes the artist’s fruitful cultural exchange journey abroad. The entire work is carved using traditional techniques of Boxwood Carving, a national intangible cultural heritage of China, embodying the spirit of craftsmanship while conveying the depth and continuity of Chinese culture through woodcarving art.
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Henan Week of China Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka: Woodblock New Year Picture Event Kicks Off
On August 21, the Henan Week opened at the China Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka with the theme "Innovative Henan, Win-Win Cooperation." The three-day event features cultural exchanges and displays of intangible heritage, including Kaifeng Woodblock New Year Pictures, demonstrated by renowned artist Li Li.
Li Li, born in 1980, is the director of the Woodblock New Year Picture Museum in Kaifeng and a national-level inheritor of the craft. Alongside his brother Ren Tao, he learned the art from their father, Master Ren Helin, and has dedicated his life to preserving the tradition.
During the event, Li Li gave live demonstrations of the woodblock printing process, drawing large crowds. Over a thousand visitors participated in hands-on printmaking on the first morning alone.
Originating in the Northern Song Dynasty, Kaifeng Woodblock New Year Pictures often depict myths, legends, and historical tales, expressing hopes for luck, peace, and happiness. The Door Gods prints are especially iconic, known for their bold, vivid style.
The event allowed international visitors to engage directly with Chinese heritage, with this ancient art form building a bridge between cultures.
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Japan Pavilion | EXPO 2025 - IWCS Film Series
Designing a better future begins with how we relate to nature, materials, and daily life—from the way we build to the way we live.
This film explores the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai—an architectural project built with domestically grown cedar CLT, where the boundary between interior and exterior is intentionally softened.
Through its structure, visitors experience changing light, shifting perspectives, and the passage of time—reflecting principles found in traditional Japanese architecture and Japan’s approach to living with nature.
Rather than offering conclusions, the film observes the space and its ideas—inviting audiences to reflect on what remains with them afterward.
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Dialogue Theater - Sign of Life | EXPO 2025 - IWCS Film Series
In this IWCS Expo 2025 documentary series, featuring DialogueTheater – sign of life Pavilion. Through an in-depth conversation with architect Mr. Takashi Suo, we uncover the story and vision behind the project—how two former wooden school buildings from Nara and Kyoto have been reimagined, what it means to create a building with memory, and why breathing new life into an old structure matters today.
The film reflects on architecture as dialogue: between past and future, people and place, and the enduring role of cultural spaces in shaping our shared human experience.
Produced by the International Wood Culture Society (IWCS)
Subscribe to follow our IWCS Expo 2025 series, where each film shows how wood is not only something we build with, but also something that carries memory, inspires innovation, and connects people.
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Sumitomo Pavilion | EXPO 2025 - IWCS Film Series
Presented by the International Wood Culture Society (IWCS), this mini-documentary explores the inspiring story behind the Sumitomo Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Constructed from sustainably sourced Japanese Cypress and Cedar grown in Sumitomo’s own forests, the pavilion embodies a remarkable 400-year legacy of forest stewardship. Guided by insightful conversations with Mr. Terajima, Deputy Director of the Sumitomo Pavilion, and Mr. Honma, Architecture Producer, we uncover how this deep-rooted historical bond shapes every detail—from its mountain-inspired architecture and carefully selected materials, to interactive experiences.
Join us in exploring how Sumitomo Pavilion inspires us all to treasure and protect forests—for the future we’re designing today, and for generations yet to come.
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Trailer | EXPO 2025 - IWCS Film Series
This film introduces IWCS’s Expo documentary series—a collection shaped through three months of filming across the pavilions and the many stories of Expo 2025 Osaka. The series follows a reverse storyline, tracing a journey from the future back to our origins.
We begin with circular architecture and sustainable cities, move through wooden design and cultural heritage, then return to the landscapes and oceans that shaped human life, before arriving at the essential dialogue between wood and humanity.
Through the perspective of the International Wood Culture Society, we hope to offer not only images and narratives, but a way of seeing the interconnected world we share—a world where nature, culture, and human creativity are not separate chapters, but parts of an evolving story.
#Expo2025 #OsakaExpo2025 #WorldExpo2025 #IWCS #InternationalWoodCultureSociety #WoodCulture #WoodArchitecture #TimberDesign #SustainableCities #CircularArchitecture #DocumentarySeries #CulturalHeritage #FutureCities #RegenerativeDesign
#WoodCraft #PavilionStories
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"Restore Green to Nature" by CHEN Baoming
Chen Baoming is a National First-Class / Senior Technician, Renowned Craft Artist of Fujian Province, Famous Arts and Crafts Master of Quanzhou City, Outstanding Technical Expert of Quanzhou City, and a recipient of the May 1st Labor Medal of Quanzhou City.
He began his apprenticeship in 1988 under a veteran craftsman from Hui’an, continued advanced training at Hongfa Craft Factory in 1990, and graduated from the Department of Art and Design at Northeast Normal University. In 2009, he founded the Yi He Yuan Woodcarving Craft Factory.
After decades of unremitting dedication, he has received numerous honors, including “Fujian Root Carving Art Master,” “Fujian Province Gold Medal Craftsman,” “National Arts and Crafts Industry Technical Expert,” and “China Woodcarving Champion.”
From June 7 to June 11, 2025, Chen Baoming was invited to participate in the Iran–China Woodcarving Cultural Exchange Event organized by the International Wood Culture Society. During the event, he created the work Restore Green to Nature, and collaborated with Xie Zhenggen on the piece Chinese Dragon.
Artwork Title: Restore Green to Nature
Artwork Description:
Centered on the theme of “everlasting green waters and mountains,” the work vividly portrays Su Dongpo planting trees. In the sculpture, Su Dongpo holds a hoe in one hand and a cup in the other, gazing into the sky as if contemplating how to help the sapling before him take root in fertile soil and grow strong under warm sunlight—leaving future generations a beautiful environment filled with vitality and hope.
Artwork Title: Chinese Dragon
Collaborating Artists: Chen Baoming, Xie Zhenggen
Artwork Description:
This piece employs a suspended carving technique to convey the majestic momentum of a dragon soaring into the heavens, fully expressing its powerful and commanding presence. The base, featuring the Three Sacred Mountains and Five Great Mountains, symbolizes the grandeur of the Chinese land. Ink-style coloration brings to life a Chinese dragon imbued with distinctive Eastern spirit and charm.
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Ge Yunfei is a master craftsman from Baoding and a senior arts and crafts artist. He has devoted more than forty years to the research and creation of root wood carving since 1983. He is recognized as a Root Carving Art Master of Hebei Province, a First-Class Folk Arts and Crafts Artist of Hebei Province, a Baoding Arts and Crafts Master, and the inheritor of the Ge Family Root Carving Intangible Cultural Heritage project of Baoding, Hebei. He is also the founder of the Yunfei Root Carving Art Studio.
From June 7 to June 11, 2025, Ge Yunfei was invited to participate in the Iran–China Woodcarving Cultural Exchange Event, organized by the International Wood Culture Society. During the event, he created the woodcarving artwork "Silk Road" on site.
Artwork Title: Silk Road
Artwork Description:
Inspired by ancient camel caravans, the work vividly recreates the hardships and splendor of merchants traveling the Silk Road—crossing mountains, rivers, and vast deserts. The piece symbolizes the Silk Road as a historic bridge that connected Eastern and Western civilizations.
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The 41st National Kezuroukai Competition – Osaka Katano Tournament
Kezuroukai is a Japanese woodworking event dedicated to the art of producing ultra-thin wood shavings, known as kezuribana, using the traditional kanna hand plane. The competition highlights the incredible precision of Japanese carpentry, where surfaces become so smooth that water will not penetrate them.
Beyond the contest, the event aims to preserve and pass on traditional hand-tool skills, promote the value of wood as a sustainable material, and strengthen local communities. Demonstrations, children’s workshops, and collaborations with the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum showcase the culture of craftsmanship and the joy of making things by hand.
International participants express admiration for Japanese tools and techniques, while organizers hope the experience inspires future carpenters, designers, and wood enthusiasts. The documentary captures the spirit of the Osaka Katano event and concludes with awards supported by IWCS and JWCS, leading toward the next Kezuroukai in Miki in 2026.
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“Shared Wood Art • Colorful Intangible Heritage”— Highlights of the Cultural & Artistic Exchange for Disability Inclusion
On November 3, 2025, the “Shared Wood Art • Colorful Intangible Heritage” Cultural and Artistic Exchange for Disability Inclusion was successfully held at the Lecture Hall of Wenzhou Open University. Jointly organized by Wenzhou Open University, the International Wood Culture Society, and the Wenzhou Disabled Persons’ Federation, the event centered on the theme “Intangible Heritage Inheritance • Inclusion of Persons with and without Disabilities • An International Perspective,” promoting cross-disciplinary integration between wood culture and traditional craftsmanship.
Greek wood artist Georgios Athanasakis, Cyprus wood artist Antri Pafiti and Gao Gongbo, Master of Chinese Arts and Crafts, along with more than 20 representatives of Wenzhou’s disabled inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, gathered with university faculty and students and media representatives to witness this cultural celebration.
The opening ceremony featured speeches by Wu Ting, Secretary of the Party Committee of Wenzhou Open University; Huang Lichun, Vice Chairman of the Wenzhou Disabled Persons’ Federation; and Su Jinling, Secretary-General of the International Wood Culture Society. The event was hosted by Zhu Xiangjun, Vice President of Wenzhou Open University.
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NEW et CURIOUS - Burning Man 2024
A new Burner from Burkina Faso, experiencing Burning Man for the first time, seeing all the spectacular arts and scenery in Black Rock City.
IWCS presents an extraordinary journey — our staff member Naze Abdou’s first experience at Burning Man.
The film follows Naze as he steps into the desert with fresh eyes, navigating the creativity of Black Rock City — from exploring massive wooden installations to joining in communal activities.
Through his perspective, we see not only the iconic temples and sculptures, but also the spirit of curiosity, openness, and connection that defines Burning Man.
This is a story about being new and curious, and discovering the connection between wood and its community in the heart of the desert.
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2024 Cross Strait (Putian) Crafts Expo
From September 29 to October 2, 2024, the International Wood Culture Society was invited to host the Wood Culture Experience Hall during the 18th Cross-Strait (Putian) Craft Expo. This event, themed "Diversity of Wood in Culture," included exhibitions and experiences on topics such as wood knowledge, wood with clothing, food, housing, transportation and entertainment, wood art, and a small woodworking workshop. Among these, the wood art section showcased wood carvings from 16 countries along the Silk Road, reflecting the history, culture, and art of different nations. It also featured Chinese wood carving works with "loong" elements as a theme, created by Chinese wood artists.
In the Wood Culture Experience Hall, through hands-on participation and immersive activities, the audience is no longer just a spectator. They are encouraged to spark their own creativity and take home a unique emotional experience. Wood is a recyclable, renewable, and durable environmentally friendly material. The International Wood Culture Society hopes that through such an experience hall, it can inspire a love for wood and promote the responsible use of wood and forests.
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Wood Culture Experience Center at The 2024 World Forest Products Exhibition
The 2024 World Forest Products and Wood Products Exhibition held at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Guangxi from November 23 to 25. The International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) presented the "Wood Culture Experience Center" in the International Pavilion. Around the theme of "Diversity of Wood in Culture", the Wood Culture Experience Center began with wood knowledge, providing an immersive cultural experience for the audience through wood and life, mortise and tenon production, and international forest crafts to feel the important role that wood plays in clothing, food, housing, transportation, art, entertainment and education.
The exquisite decoration and rich exhibition content in the Wood Culture Experience Center fully mobilized the audience's sensory experience, attracting many guests to explore and feel the benefits of wood and the unique charm of wood culture. IWCS will continue to work on the Wood Culture Experience as a brand, to promote the importance and value of wood and the responsible uses of wood and forest.
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Moments (Burning Man 2023)
Presented by the International Wood Culture Society, "Moments: Luz and Nox — Art in Motion" is a visually stunning documentary that explores the profound impact of art installations at Burning Man. Through its distinct segments, Luz and Nox, the film offers a unique perspective on how these dynamic artworks breathe life into the desert landscape, engaging with elements like sandstorms, rainfalls, light, and shadow to create a transient yet impactful presence.
This visual journey not only showcases the unique art and culture of Burning Man but also reflects the International Wood Culture Society’s dedication to sustainability and innovation.
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April 11th is World Parkinson's Day. In order to awaken everyone's understanding of Parkinson's, Taiwan Tulip Movement Disorders Association hold various activities every year during World Parkinson's Day. April 11th 2024, it's the first Parkinson's Table Tennis Tournament. Every participant enjoyed the competition and had a wonderful experience.
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Okinawa Ukulele Exhibition 2023
The Okinawa Ukulele Exhibition 2023 was hosted in Itoman, Okinawa, Japan. Luthiers from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan exhibited their handcrafted ukuleles beside non-stop musical performances from Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese musicians.
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The 2023 Traditional Wood Carving Forum on Inheritance and Innovation
The 2023 Traditional Wood Carving Forum on the Inheritance and Innovation was successfully held in China (Putian) Strait Arts and Crafts City on the morning of September 29. Approximately 80 participants from wood carving industry professionals and students of relevant vocational and technical schools attended the forum.
Seven speakers well explored the theme Wood in Culture Heritage. Ms. Li Huiying, president of Fujian Arts and Crafts Association and director of the Wood Carving Special Committee, presented a speech on the status of Fujian wood carving. She introduced the inheritance and development of the four major wood carving production areas of Fujian. Mr. Dharmar Shakya, academician of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, former President of the Federation of Handicraft Association Of Nepal, gave a talk on “Nepali Sculptures and its Creators” .
Followed by talks from wood carving artists of the most distinguished carving schools, Mr. Lu Tingfeng, representative of Dongyang wood carving, made a presentation on “Wood carving inheritance, school-enterprise training mode exploration”, Mr. Ni Chengzhong, representative of Huangyang wood carving, gave a speech on “Artificial intelligence wave - the future of traditional wood carving”, Mr. Huang Qingluan, representative of Longan wood carving, talked about “Inheritance and innovation of building longan wood carving”, with Mr. Gong Yuanxun, representative of Teochew wood carving, discussed about “Practice and innovation of dongchao wood carving art school”.
At the end of the forum, Ms. Su Jinling, Secretary General of International Wood Culture Society, gave a presentation on “World Wood Day - Building a Global Platform for Wood Culture Exchange, Learning and Promotion ”, which introduced how World Wood Day as a cultural event on March 21st to highlight wood as an eco-friendly and renewable biomaterial and to raise awareness on the key role wood plays in a sustainable world.
This forum is organized by International Wood Culture Society and Fujian Arts and Crafts Association. Co-organized by Wood Carving Professional Committee of Fujian Arts and Crafts Association and Putian Yabo Exhibition Service Co., Ltd,. Supported by the World Wood Day Foundation, Yueqing Vocational Secondary Professional School, Dongyang Fenghe Arts and Crafts Co., Ltd., Putian Qingluan Wood Carving Art Museum and Chaozhou Dongchao Wood Carving Art Museum.
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Tales of Dreamers (Burning Man 2022)
This Burning Man documentary film “Tales of Dreamers” is set in the heart of Black Rock City. Delving into the transformative power of dreams, it vividly shows how attendees' visions shape the event.
Highlighting Burning Man’s Sustainability Goals, the film underscores the importance of integrating these goals into the dreams and aspirations of participants. Through a series of interviews with artists, organizers and a range of contributors, “Tales of Dreamers” provides a kaleidoscopic view of the collective dream that embodies the spirit of Burning Man.
In this film, the dreams carry a depth and diversity mirroring the participants themselves, each contributing to a broader panorama of sustainable, inclusive and imaginative future.
Aerial Cinematography: @jamenpercy @mattemmi @randlarson
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The 20th National Cultural Week (SNC) celebration in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)
The National Cultural Week in Burkina Faso is an annual event that aims to promote the cultural heritage of the country. The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture and brings together artists, musicians, dancers, and other performers from across the country to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Burkina Faso. This year the 20th edition of the SNC was celebrated from April 29th to May 6th in Bobo-Dioulasso, the second-largest city of Burkina Faso.
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World Expo 2020 - UAE Heritage and Innovation for the Future
In the video interview featuring Walid Swessi, Ahmad Abdulrahman Bukhash, and Dr. Robert Platt, the discussion centers on the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The participants delve into several topics, including traditional architecture, pearl diving, and past trade practices. The EXPO pavilion's exhibit, which showcases the UAE's culture and diverse environments such as mountains, deserts, and coastal areas, is also highlighted. The interview explores the features of the UAE's wooden tower house, characterized by a courtyard and a tower for ventilation. Furthermore, Dr. Robert Platt examines the sustainability and versatility of timber as a building material and its application in various pavilions at the Expo. Overall, the interview offers valuable insights into the UAE's cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and sustainable building practices.
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Djeguele Festival (Ivory Coast) - The Balafon in the Spotlight in Boundiali
The seventh edition of DJEGUELE festival also called the Balafon Festival took place in Boundiali, a place located at the Northern part of Ivory Coast. It is an annual cultural event held in Ivory Coast to celebrate the balafon and promote West African music and culture. During the festival, musicians, and dancers from across West Africa come together to perform and compete in various categories. The DJEGUELE Festival is a significant event for the people of Ivory Coast and West Africa, as it celebrates their cultural heritage and promotes intercultural exchange and understanding. The festival also attracts tourists and visitors from around the world, who come to experience the vibrant music, dance, and culture of West Africa.
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Festival Dary (Chad) - Introduction
The National Festival of Arts and Dary Cultures is an annual cultural festival that is being held in Ndjamena, capital city of Chad. The event was launched on Saturday, December 24th by the President of the Republic, General MAHAMAT IDRISS DEBY ITNO. The month long event gathered people from all walks of life. After the official opening ceremony, the festival will be a place to see cultural expressions through handicraft products, to attend a timber and non-timber forest products exhibition, and to watch traditional music and dance performances.
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World Expo 2020 - Trees for Good
This video explores the main theme of World Wood Day 2022 "Trees for Good" at World Expo 2020 in Dubai and how green environments were created in the desert with indigenous plants, potted plants and numerous flora. Aside from the landscape itself, many pavilions also used plantations as part of their decoration and wood as the primary material for the structure. The idea of "Trees for Good" is not only about how trees are good to us, but more importantly is how we can contribute and preserve the forests and environment sustainably for the future.
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Wooden Architecture at World Expo 2020 in Dubai
Wood is an outstandingly sustainable building material. This year EXPO 2020 was held in a desert environment. Many participated countries decided to utilize wood as their primary building material for their pavilions. All the EXPO 2020 wooden pavilions were constructed with various design styles, building techniques, and cultural influences. Each pavilions were able stand and shine in the desert environment. This video is a dashing showcase of all the major wooden pavilions from EXPO 2020.
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World Expo 2020 - Azerbaijan Pavilion - Seeds for the Future
Azerbaijan Pavilion is inspired by nature, dedicated to the future of humanity. Only by investing in the future now can people secure a sustainable tomorrow. The leaf-shaped roof symbolises an endless energy process. Every leaf transforms the sun's energy into vital power.
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World Expo 2020 - The Forest - Storing Carbon in Dubai
This mini-documentary presents the “Sustainable Forestry and Timber Construction” forum on 15th March at EXPO 2020 Dubai hosted by Sweden and Malaysia Pavilion. Staffan Schartner, Head of Construction started a parallel guided tour of the Sweden pavilion. Representatives from the Malaysian pavilion, amongst others, who share a common interest in a global movement for sustainable relation between forests and forest industry, were invited to discuss more about sustainable timber constructions and the benefits of using wood as a prime building material.
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World Expo 2020 - Australia Pavilion - Blue Sky Dreaming
The theme encapsulates Australian optimism and creativity and celebrates Australian diversity and collaboration, envisaging a future of infinite possibilities founded on 60,000 years of innovation. Experience true Australian culture and hospitality, and enjoy a series of immersive and dream-like exhibition experiences.
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World Expo 2020 - Nigeria Pavilion - Rising in Value
Nigeria is a nation with immeasurable potential and opportunities and a country with a promising future. Let’s walk through 'Opportunity City' and its streets bursting with energy: Resilience Avenue, Respectful Avenue, Hardworking Avenue and Enterprising Avenue.
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World Expo 2020 - Rwanda Pavilion - Remarkable Rwanda
Rwanda is a beacon of hope and model of African progress. Journey through time, experience Rwanda as a kingdom, discover stories of culture and heritage, and witness the remarkable pace the country has grown through leadership and innovation.
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World Expo 2020 - Finland Pavilion - Sharing Future Happiness
The snowy white Arabic tent architecture that situated in the Mobility District is the Finland Pavilion, some said that they brought snow to the desert, and in fact, they also brought the Finnish happiness to Dubai to share the future happiness. Let’s enter the tent and explore more in the Gorge area.
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World Expo 2020 - Laos Pavilion - Tradition, Cultural Conservation and Progress
Laos relies on its agriculture and traditional handicrafts, people of Laos make good use of natural resources to enrich their culture and seek for the opportunity to be seen by the world. A variety of items displayed in the pavilion to introduce and present the most authentic and original of Laos. Welcome to Laos - Tradition, Cultural Conservation and Progress.
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World Expo 2020 - Luxembourg Pavilion - Resourceful Luxembourg
Welcome to “Resourceful Luxembourg - Where Luxembourg’s resources become your opportunities.” Luxembourg is a country located in the heart of the Europe, the structure of the pavilion itself represents the openness, resourceful, and reliable of Luxembourg. Luxembourg is also a multicultural country that welcomes everybody. Let’s explore more about “Luxembourg’s diversity, connectivity, enterprising spirit, far-reaching commitment to sustainability and beautiful nature."
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World Expo 2020 - Slovenia Pavilion - Green and Smart Experience
60% of Slovenia is covered by forests, and it’s the first country to be established as a Green Destination. Slovenia Pavilion is designed to provide an enormous amount of outdoor greens with water covered by a gigantic wooden roof, the building itself looks like a floating green oasis. Let’s follow the Commissioner General Matic Volk to explore the Slovenia Green!
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World Expo 2020 - Malaysia Pavilion - Energising Sustainability
Malaysia Pavilion is delivering a Net-Zero Carbon Pavilion, it’s a concept and design of the rainforest canopy with floating forest, water feature, and surrounded by 16 species of trees and over 3000 pots plants to give an over all experience of the rainforest. Let’s find out more with the Pavilion Director Michelle Lau.
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World Expo 2020 - Guinea Pavilion - Journey through History and Heritage through Water
Guinea is a country in West Africa, bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, in the southeast. The reserve protects a forested mountain range rich in native plants and animals, including chimpanzees and the viviparous toad. On the coast, the capital city, Conakry, is home to the modern Grand Mosque and the National Museum, with its regional artifacts. At the entrance of Guinea’s pavilion at expo 2020 Dubai, visitors are welcome with two giants wooden sculptured thrones. It is said that anyone who sits on the throne and makes a wish it will come true. With Fatoumata Conde, we had a guided tour around the pavilion to discover the richness of Guinea’s culture and its diversity.
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World Expo 2020 - Austria Pavilion - Austria Makes Sense
Austria Makes Sense" is the theme of Austria Pavilion in EXPO 2020. Explore the 5 senses of Smell, Touch, Hearing, Eyesight and Taste within the Pavilion. 38 shiny white cones form the pavilion ensemble. The sophisticated architectural concept turns the simple shape of a cone into a complex, merging space. An architecture that combine the Arabic and Western Design to give an opportunity for sustainable building in the future.
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World Expo 2020 - Vanuatu Pavilion - A Paradise of Harmony and Sustainability
Vanuatu which means ‘the land for us’ in the local language is a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of roughly 80 islands that stretch 1,300 kilometers. Harborside Port Vila, the nation’s capital and economic center, is on the island of Efate. The city is home to the Vanuatu National Museum, which explores the nation’s Melanesian culture. With the theme ‘a paradise of harmony and sustainability’ Vanuatu pavilion is located at mobility district. The pavilion is very rich in its content and visitors get to experience a unique lifestyle.
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World Expo 2020 - Poland Pavilion - Inspired by Nature
World Wood Day Wood culture tour is currently in Dubai expo 2020. It brings you to discover Poland’s pavilion which according to Director Moneer Faour, is inspired by nature. The spectacular architectural work is blended with different sorts of wooden elements to present the beauty of wood and nature.
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World Expo 2020 - Syria Pavilion - We Will Rise Together
The Pavilion is collectively build by 1500 families. It showcases the rich Syrian culture as a nation and as individuals.
The messages from Syrian's pavilion: All the paintings are signed with the "I am Syrian" to convey the message that what unites us is much more than what divides us. And message to the future is collectively with 1500 Syrians and drawing on each piece of peach wood from everywhere and transfer to the world. Even we have lot of challenge, but we are trying to pass over and connect all people rising together.
Syria is a country in the Middle East, with a coastline at the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The name "Syria" historically referred to a wider region. The pavilion shows the countries love for arts and artifacts. The friendship that they have shown in their pavilion is as sweet as their honey which they handed over to us for free. We shall continue rising together.
The section of drawings on wood is very beautiful, and Syrians of all ages and beliefs participated in it. Creating a section that brings together the feelings and ideas of a large group of Syrian people is a beautiful thing.
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Mask in Burkina Faso represent protective spirits that can take animal forms or can appear as strange beings. Originally, masks perform important social and environmental functions, governing human behavior with nature. It is also the best time for initiations which begin at the age of seven and allow access to the world of adultWith masks, all the groups are identical. Masks festivals are an opportunity for repentance and cleaning up all the mistakes made throughout the year.s. Later, those who continue the initiation will be able to wear masks. The masks you see in this video are called Fabric masks or white masks: they represent spirits and only come out at night. They belong to ethnics groups called BOBO and NUNA, a population living in the western part of Burkina Faso. The costume is made from strips of unbleached cotton, woven in the traditional way. The white mask is often attached to a rope held by an unmasked man. These masks mainly participate rituals and ceremonies of their lineages. Some villages have an impressively large cone-shaped mother mask as well as feather masks, which are much rarer and uncommon. Each mask has a precise symbol corresponding to the needs of the village. The manufacture of these masks remain secret. During masks performances, a local beer called DOLO accompanies the musicians, while the women following the procession give some drinks to the masks. In Burkina Faso, masks are vital to the communities they belong to.
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World Expo 2020 - Mali Pavilion - The River of Gold
Wood Culture Tour presents Mali’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Pavilion Director Nakhana Kadiatou Diakite Prats took us on a tour through her pavilion to showcase Mali’s economic opportunities and its cultural diversity. Everything is art in Mali according to her. Wood is essential to daily life in Mali from traditional craft, architecture, fabrics to musical instruments. For her arts and culture are the pillars on which we can build a sustainable future.
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World EXPO 2020 - Swedish Forest Pavilion - Co-creation for Innovation
Wood Culture Tour in Dubai Expo 2020 take you to Sweden Pavilion: The Forest in the Sustainability District! The Pavilion features interactive simulation and give visitor an experience to walk and stroll in the woods.
5 Facts from the Sweden Pavilion Website below
1. The Swedish Pavilion to Expo 2020 in Dubai is situated in the Sustainability District 2. For the first time ever a sustainable building completely in timber is erected in the UAE. 3. Approximately 2,600 cubic meters of timber has been used for the structure. Approximately half of it in the substructure. 4. Every cubic meter of spruce timber, weighing approximately half a tonne, contains the carbon from almost 900 kg of CO2 (and the O2, the oxygen, now in the atmosphere.) 5. A comparable structure in reinforced concrete would create a CO2 footprint of around 1,200 tonnes. The net effect of “The Forest” as a timber building compared to a concrete structure is somewhere between 3,000 and 3,500 tonnes less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
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Kaihua Root Carving "My Motherland and Me"
Fourteen root carving artists were invited to Kaihua County, Zhejiang Province of China on December 1-7, 2019. During the one-week on-site creation, besides an independent carving work by each of them, under the theme of "My Motherland and Me," together with one Chinese master carver, all of them carved an image that best represents their own motherland on the same piece of root material. The event is the“Belt and Road” International Root Carving Cultural Exchange Week held in the Kaihua Root Palace Cultural Tourism Zone, which is the third time cooperation between the International Wood Culture Society and Kaihua County People's Government. The large-scale root carving artwork with profound meaning was completed by Nairi SAFARYAN from Armenia, Guilhem BOUISSOU from France, Bernd Uwe WINTER from Germany, Alireza BAVANDPOUR from Iran, Fuad Eyad Fuad KHASAWNEH from Jordan, BOUNNAMPHA Oudom from Laos, Jean Lewis DICK from Mauritius, Shanta Raj TULADHAR from Nepal, Nicolae TEISANU from Moldova, Milijana LAZOVIC from Serbia, Miriam BAJKAI from Slovakia, Bong Ki PARK from South Korea, Mohamed Abbakar Hissan Ismaiel from Sudan, Mirmakhsud MIRRAKHIMBAEV from Uzbekistan and Fang Yi from China.
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World Expo 2020 - Gabon Pavilion - Harmony with Nature
IWCS is in Dubai for the World Expo 2020 that will last 6 months, from October 1st to March 31st 2021. For the first time in World Expo history, it gathers organization and 192 countries from around the world, each country with its own pavilion. The Expo2020 is governed by three main themes which are SUSTAINABILITY, OPPORTUNITY and MOBILITY . This huge event seek to bring the world together for cleaner, safer and healthier future for all, so does IWCS. To showcase the rich and diverse culture, tangible and intangible cultural heritage of each country represented in Dubai world Expo2020, we meet the directors or commissioner generals of each pavilion for better understanding of the topics mentioned above. In this video we are with Gina NZENGUE the director of Gabon pavilion . She first introduced the artworks displayed in her pavilion, how they represent her country . She also discussed with us her understanding of SUSTAINABILITY, OPPORTUNITY and CHALLENGES. Let’s discover together what Gabon has as contribution to reach our common goal.
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Wood and Life - Art Show of International Wood Cultural Works
The "Wood and Life" International Wood Cultural Works Exhibition was co-sponsored by the International Wood Culture Society and the Jianchuan County People's Government in Jianchuan, Yunnan on September 30, 2021. This exhibition was the first time for the International Association of Wood Culture to exhibit all 148 work pieces from its collection in China.
The exhibition was open to the public at the Graz City Hall and the Stübing Open Air Museum in Austria for two months. All 148 work pieces were created by 105 artists and young students from 73 countries including China, Germany, Italy, New Zealand at the World Wood Day event in Austria in March, 2019. There were 126 pieces of woodcarving, 8 pieces of wood design, and 14 pieces of furniture all based on the theme of “Wood and Life.”
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PANAFEST - A Ghana Cultural Event
The Pan African Historical Theatre Project now known as PANAFEST is a cultural event held in Ghana every two years for Africans and people of African descent. It was first held in 1992. This year it took place at Cape Coast castle. Thousands of enslaved Africans, sometimes from hundreds of miles away, were brought to Cape Coast Castle to be sold to British slave ships. During the interim period, Africans were imprisoned in what the British called “slave holes,” or dungeons in the basement of the Castle that had little ventilation and no windows. On that occasion we attended some of the cultural activities during our wood culture tour in Ghana. Due to COVID 19 pandemic the number of participants was controlled and limited but we were able to enjoy some traditional musical performances, handicrafts exhibitions, rituals performance, payers and speeches only to name those. Chiefs from different villages of Ghana were invited and their entrances to the event venue were spectacular one after another. An appointment is fixed in two years times with the hope that the sanitary situation will get back to normal very soon.
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The final documentary of the International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) featuring Burning Man series touches on the foundation: the momentary home for 80,000 citizens in the Nevada desert – Black Rock City. The fundamental elements of Black Rock City are a mixture of different groups and communities. “Mirage” unfolds multiple layers of this complex, temporary, ever-evolving desert city. Through this documentary, audiences get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how this center of creativity is designed and built every year from scratch, then vanishes into dust.
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The Japanese Wood and Culture Seminar
The Japanese Wood and Culture Seminar is organized by the Japan Wood-Products Export Association (JWPEA) to promote the quality, usage, art and culture of Japanese wood materials. The following four lectures are presented for the comprehensive understanding of the Japanese wood and culture, together with the traditional and modern application of wood materials, knowledge and techniques.
Characteristics of Yakisugi, presented by Nakamoto Forestry (Download PDF)
Interior of Tea-Ceremony Room, presented by Hanamasu Mokko Ltd. (Download PDF)
Characteristics of Shina from Hokkaido and Shirakaba, presented by Takizawa Venner Co., Ltd. (Download PDF)
Japanese Wood Culture and Promotional Activity for Education of Wood, presented by Japan Wood Culture Society (JWCS) (Download PDF)
Japan Wood-Products Export Association (JWPEA)
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Tomsk is considered one of the oldest cities in Siberia, located on the Tomsk river and surrounded by the forests. Forest plays an essential role in the daily life of Tomsk people. Over 12 years, Ax Day is one of the most significant events in Siberia and the brand for Tomsk region, it aims to revive Siberian carpentry and joinery, to raise importance of the preservation and restoration of the historical site and villages in Tomsk, passing these ancient traditions to the next generation. Through this cultural event, people get to know the beauty of the wood and strengthen the connection with wood and forests.
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Located in Kaihau county, Root Palace is best known as the base of root carving culture and center for artists’ interaction worldwide. Over 3 years, the “Belt & Road" International Root Carving Cultural Exchange Week provides a platform for artists to demonstrate and showcase their art and skills. In 2019, 14 international artists from countries of Asia, Europe and Africa were invited. With diverse cultural backgrounds, various artistic styles and unique elements were presented to the audience. Both international and domestic artists joined the collaborative project, sharing their homeland symbols on the one root. During the process, invited artists get to know each other and form a tight bond. This film documented the working process, sharing the artists’ insights toward root carving, the valuable friendship and the beauty of roots.
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The 20th All Japan Junior High School Woodworking Competition & World Wood Day 2020 Memorial Contest
Since 2012, it is the second-time for IWCS to documentary the 20th All Japan Junior High School Woodworking Competition & World Wood Day 2020 Memorial Contest, included in the 20th National Junior High School Education Fair for Creative Monodzukuri (Manufacturing), held at the Umejima Elementary School on January 25th. 16 students as winners of regional contests have to finish their designed projects within 4 hours and to present their work in front of the judges and audience. The grand award ceremony then took place at the Art Center of Tokyo on January 26th, and the Chair's Award of World Wood Day Foundation (WWDF) was presented by the Director of WWDF and IWCS. The friendship together with the same enthusiasm towards woodworking is the most important conclusion of the competition.
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Over 2,500 delegates from 92 countries and regions gathered in Curitiba, Brazil from September 29 to October 5, 2019 to participate in the 25th IUFRO World Congress, which is held every five years. This is the world's highest level of international academic exchanges in the forest sector, and was held for its first time in Latin American countries.
Themed with “Forest Research and Cooperation for Sustainable Development”, the first plenary session highlighted the potential of forests, trees and forest products to mitigate climate change. In the following five keynote plenary and 350 sub-plenary and technical sessions and more than 900 posters, researchers, scholars and stakeholders in the forest sector from around the world have explored and shared the latest findings in forest research, policy management and all areas related to forests and trees.
The congress has effectively promoted the exchange of related knowledge as to current forest situation, challenges, consequences, and possible solutions, and made researchers in various disciplines around the world think about what researchers should do to contribute more effectively to the world's most pressing forest and environmental issues.
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Winds of Change - Burning Man 2018
The world is entering a new era and changing at a rapid pace, driven by science and technology.
These profoundly affect the social, economic, and cultural outlooks of societies and individuals alike. In this documentary, the 2018 BM theme of ”I, Robot” serves as a reflection of humanity. Through different layers of conversations in the film, our emphasis is on transforming consciousness and behavior in all aspects of our lives—personal, social, and planetary, also how the event affected individuals and gave them new perspectives for the needs to change.
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2014 IUFRO - International Wood Culture Society
The World Congress 2014 of International Union of Forest Research Organization (IUFRO) was held in Salt Lake City, Utah. International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) joined the conference, and brought all participants different ways of viewing the wood culture.
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Burning Man began as a bonfire ritual on the summer solstice in 1986 when Larry Harvey and a group of friends burned a 9-foot wooden effigy on Baker Beach. This act marked the beginnings of the annual Burning Man festival. This film documented the Man’s build in 2016 burn. It is a design inspired by Da Vincci’s Vitruvian Man in order to reflect the theme: Renaissance. While many participants were curious about why the Man didn’t turn as it was designed to be, this video provides the insight into the building process of the centerpiece on playa and the essence of the event itself.
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Surrender - Burning Man 2017
This film delves into what Oscar Wilde once said using a cultural approach, "It seems to me that we all look at Nature too much, and live with her too little." This statement is especially relevant in today's context when the world is bracing itself to enter into an more advanced era. Through different perspectives from the founders, artists and burners, we hope to inspire the audience to connect more with nature and have a humble attitude towards the vast spectrum of divine powers and energies.
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The Locos dancers of San Isidro is a traditional festivity celebrated in Lagunillas, Venezuela. The awarded toymaker Mario Calderón decides to stimulate the child's imagination in his town by working with wood. His idea is to maintain culture through time from generation to generation.
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2016 World Wood Day Folk Art Workshop
2016 World Wood Day Folk Art Workshop presented diverse forms of wooden folk art from 10 countries and 6 Nepali ethnic groups. Through a series of exhibition, demonstration and workshops, it offered an opportunity for participants to reflect on attitudes towards traditional woodcrafts. Even though some of them are vanishing due to modern development, wood still plays a prominent role in connecting people with nature and culture.
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On 25 April 2015, with a magnitude 7.8 Earthquake hit Nepal and major aftershock on 12 may 2015, Nepal was in disaster. The earthquake caused a massive damage to people and heritage sites including Changu Narayan area where the oldest temple in Nepal is located. This video showcases the spirit behind the renovation of the Changu Narayan, and full size replica of the Shiva temple on the 2016 World Wood Day event.
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The XIV World Forestry Congress, themed “Forests and People: Investing in a Sustainable Future,” was grandly held in Durban, South Africa from 7 to 11 September 2015. Gathering the world forestry’s sectors every six years, it serves as an important platform for experts and stakeholders to discuss related key issues and explore ways to sustainability. International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) and World Wood Day Foundation (WWDF) also took part in the exhibition and discussions to promote wood culture, a way to remind people that forest is our roots. The diversity of culture and diversity of ecological system are interconnected. We all grow and bind together and therefore, efforts by individuals and groups, big or small, are significant in building our sustainable future.
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Renowned sculptor David Best, who has designed and built nine Burning Man temples at Black Rock Desert and various temples in other countries, and his crew, made of volunteers from the United States of America, were invited to create a community stupa in honor of the people of Nepal who suffered greatly from the 2015 earthquakes. The construction site located in Bungamati, a well-known traditional woodcarving village that has had more than 70% of its buildings damaged in the earthquakes. The Temple Crew cut and drilled rough-hewn logs and planks into manageable blocks that were strung on iron rebar and fashioned into the shape of a classic Nepali stupa. This stupa is composed of thousands of pieces of wood representing earthquake victims. Along with bringing international attention to the ongoing wood carving tradition of Bungamati, this project also helped to rejuvenate the community by interacting with local people and artists. The stupa is currently displayed at the Nepal Academy and will eventually be moved back to Bungamati.
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Brick by Brick - 2016 WWD Collaborative Project
The 2016 Collaborative Project kept exploring the possibilities among traditionally-different practices through teamwork as 20 collaborators came together to create wooden sculptural works in Bhaktapur. Together with interactive playground equipment that created a safe wood environment for school children, an installation consisting of 282 carved bricks by 130 artists rose to bring hope of renewal to the community. It was an inclusive venture between creative minds and the community where skills were shared, artistic thinking was challenged, and authentic partnerships were forged through a process of collective ownership, fellowship and mutual respect. This cross-border platform encourages communal interactions while offering younger generation new experiences to discover the art in wood that is both educational and entertaining.
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2015 AAW Symposium Pittsburgh
Woodturning is more than crafting; making things out of wood on a lathe can be experienced as relaxing, soothing, satisfying, and even therapeutic. A diversified learning platform, the AAW International Symposium is dedicated to all enthusiasts with world-class demonstrations and the largest showcase of turned-wood objects. Many are inspired and developed a keen interest in woodturing and others may even find a light of hope through the creative process. It is the positive attitude towards life that makes a difference.
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Burning Man is a weeklong festival, a mega art event with many levels of presentation to provide a platform to artists to build a variety of wooden installations and structures in a metropolis in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. This documentary film is specifically aiming on an aspect that would inspire the caring relationship between man and nature, and as well as emphasizing on the meaningfulness of men’s encounters with wood.
In this 5 miles sq. of flat alkaline playa, wood does not only serve as the main material for art pieces, but also represents as a carrier that absorbs people’s emotions, cultures, and hopes.
The festival reached to its climax when the fifty-foot-tall giant wooden man falls, at that very moment wood has been burnt to ashes and blown away with wind along with people’s message spreading out to those who may or may not have experienced with wood or woodworking that a green and brighter future is ours to choose.
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Wood Culture Festival in Şişli
2015 World Wood Day-Wood Culture Festival was held in Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey. This event comprising wood music, folk art, and other interactive activities offers a great opportunity for the public to approach wood culture.
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2015 WWD Culture Tour in Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey - Music of Wood - Lin Yao
Lin Yao was born in 1987 in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, and started to learn Pipa (Chinese lute) at 6 year old. She is the chief Pipa player in Wenzhou Folk Music Group and a music teacher in Wenzhou School for Special Education. Pipa is a short-necked, four-stringed plucked Chinese lute. It is one of the oldest Chinese musical instrument with a history over 2,000 years. Modern pipa appears as a shallow, pear-shaped body with a wooden belly, along with 29 or 31 frets. The four strings run from a fastener on the belly to conical tuning pegs in the sides of the bent-back pegbox. Its name suggests the plucking direction: pi, "to play forward," pa, "to play backward." The strings of Pipa that once made of silk, are now usually replaced with nylon-wrapped steel.
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2015 WWD Culture Tour in Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey - Music of Wood - Mbeng N'tam
Mbeng N’tam” means beauty and prosperity. This troupe consisting of traditional dancers aims to preserve the rituals and traditions of Gabon. In order to communicate this message of balance among the human being, the invisible world of ancestors and the nature, they have established an association, KOOL D’AYELE, which lends an outlook to the ancestral traditions through their dances. They have started spreading the Gabonese culture worldwide since 1998.
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2015 WWD Culture Tour in Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey - Music of Wood - Enrique Males & Patricia Gutierrez
Enrique Males performs ancestral music, expressing harmony that enriches the spirit and fertilize the country. Through ancient sounds, spiritual songs and dances, such as warrior movements and tender moves that represent fertility, their performances express the spiritual strength of the motherland - Pacha Mama. Patricia Gutierrez represents the woman land of Latin America.
The creative work of Enrique and Patricia is authentic and meaningful. Through their artistic production, people get closer to their own spirit and heart, and further to reflect on themselves and strengthen their identity.
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2015 WWD Culture Tour in Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey - Music of Wood - John Butler& Barnaby Walters
John Butler has been playing the uilleann pipes since the age of 16 when he heard them for the first time on the radio and was immediately captivated by their sound. In 2010, Butler decided to set up his own uilleann pipemaking workshop, called “Ceol Pipes”, on Achill Island off the west coast of Ireland.
Barnaby Walters builds and plays the Hurdy Gurdy, a European instrument of ancient origin. The gurdy works like a mechanical violin, with the strings being constantly bowed by a wheel, and shortened in length by a keyboard. Barnaby mainly plays traditional European dance music, as well as modern compositions in a similar style, and a variety of early music.
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2015 WWD Culture Tour in Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey - Music of Wood - L'École de Musique de Kirina
Created in 2010, the Ecole de Musique de Kirina Band is composed of 6 professional musicians who are teaching traditional instruments at the music school in kirina. They are all from famous families of musicians. Among them, Kora teacher Ladji Diabate, is brother of Toumani Diabate, the world best Kora player who has won Grammy Award. Other members include troupe director Mahamadou Diabate, Balafon teacher Karounga Diabate, Djembe performer Seydou Kone, dancer teacher Oumou Mariko, and also dundun teacher Karim Diabate.
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2015 WWD Culture Tour in Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey - Music of Wood - Tony Brazelton
Tony Brazelton is the founder of North American Alphorn Retreat, and Salzburger Echo. Salzburger Echo, which brings the Alps to their audiences, playing old world and contemporary folk music from the alpine regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The band regularly plays some of the largest Oktoberfests in the nation as well as having performed at hundreds of elementary schools across the nation to help teach children about the origin of the music and about the music itself. Tony was the third place finisher at the 2008 international alphorn competition in Nendaz, Switzerland.
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2015 WWD Culture Tour in Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey - Music of Wood - Manolis Skoutelis & John Dafermos
Manolis Skoutelis is the third generation of musicians in his family after his father and his grandfather. After completing music studies, he started to act professionally as traditional Cretan music player. Skoutelis is a very famous lyra player and singer around the island of Crete. In addition, he participates in music festivals and social events such as weddings and baptizes. He is also a very good traditional instrument maker. He can play four musical instruments: "lyra," "mandolin," "askombantoura" and "Cretan lute." Some of those musical instruments are very popular in many Mediterranean cultures.
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2015 WWD Culture Tour in Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey - Music of Wood - Mez-Me
MEZ-ME is the result of more than 40 years of evolution. All of their presentations and melodies are composed of ancestral instruments such as huēhuētl, teponaztli, tlapitzalli, ayoyote, quena and more. As a music group, they try to revive their language, usage of ancient instruments, dances, poetry and in some ways their ancestors' philosophy through music.
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2015 WWD Culture Tour in ?i?li, Istanbul, Turkey - Music of Wood - Siqinbillge & Mongolian Girl's Hoomii Troupe
Mongolian Girl’s Hoomii Troupe was founded in 2013 and composed of five Mongolian girls: Narengaowa, Chana, Chaolemenggerile, Tunala and Suerge. They specialize in Mongolian’s primitive and ethno music, especially hoomii (a type of throat singing, also known as Khoomei), long tone and traditional musical instruments like morin khuur and tobshuur. The troupe has been taking part in various domestic and international music events since it's founded. Siqinbilige, who performs along with the troupe, is a renowned Mongolian singer who has won several awards of ethno singing competitions.
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Nature & Culture for a Sustainable Future
The video was shown during the XIV World Forestry Congress 2015 in Durban, South Africa in response to its theme, “Forests and People: Investing in a Sustainable Future.”
International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) explores and approaches the value and usage of wood from a cultural perspective to emphasize the significance of wood in relation to the human life.
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2013 AAW Symposium - We Turn As Family
With the 15,000 members worldwide, American Association of Woodturners (AAW) was founded in 1986 in the United States as the largest international wood lathe education system.
In June 2013, IWCS crews came to Tampa to participate their annual event. The program of this exhibition was quite diversified. It was held in an aim of education instead of commercial purposes.
In over 100 classrooms at the venue, wood turners from around the world were invited to share their experience. We also saw many blind and wheelchair wood turners sharing their experiences of woodturning heartily. One of major features of AAW is that regardless of gender, age as well as innate inabilities, everyone has the chance to be an excellent wood turner.
Their energy and spirit touch the heart of men from the eastern culture, which usually let people reserve the skill only for their own. In AAW, no men is selfish, everyone brings out their best. We were not only impressed by their astonishing artworks but deeply moved by the ambiance of all for one, one for all.
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Concert Held to Celebrate 2015 World Wood Day in Switzerland
The concert held in Kulturhof- Schloss Könizon on March 22nd offered a great experience for local people to enjoy the beauty of wood music and to learn more about the cultural background of each instrument. The rich programs were brought forth by Alphorn group Stock Horner, Dulcimer Nayan, Quintet Quair, Zapjevala, and Alphorn Experience.
More information on World Wood Day.
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Wooden Classroom, Lebanon
The event was aimed to help those Syrian children staying in refugee camps in Lebanon to receive much-needed education. A wooden classroom was built in seven days at the Tall Abbas Al Gharbi Refugee Camp, situated at the border of Lebanon and Syria, as part of the World Wood Day regional event. Volunteers gave classes on the importance of wood and assisted the children in making classroom equipment, such as desks, chairs, a board, baskets, etc. A tree planting activity was also arranged to spread the message of sustainable development. All the volunteers who participated in the project were deeply moved and touched by what the classroom could do and mean to the children.
More information on World Wood Day.
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Tokyo Toy Museum, Good Toy, and Wood Education
Through the lens of wooden toys, the appreciation for wood is more than just entertainment. From children to adults, wood is easily accessible via a variety of channels in Japan, such as the Tokyo Toy Museum, where provides a valuable learning environment to stay, play and study with wood. The Mokuiku Summit 2014 has best represented the success of the Mokuiku (Wood education) project, involving a broad range of groups and individuals, both users and lovers of wood.
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2014 AAW Symposium-Turn Up, Light Up
The American Association of Woodturners has brought another informative, energy-filled fest to the woodturning community at its 28th annual symposium in Phoenix. The event offered a variety of techniques to acquire and a series of art show to appreciate while lighting up the lives of those in need with special programs. The woodturning artists authentically embodied the spirit of sharing and bonding that can be hard to come by in the era where website social networking preoccupies people’s time.
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International Woodcarving Competition in Dongyang
World Crafts Council celebrated its 50th anniversary in Dongyang, China in October of 2014. 38 international woodcarvers were invited to participate in the International Woodcarving Competition eight days prior to the Opening Ceremony. They were here to interpret the theme of "Respecting the Past, Carving the Future." By sharing a common language of wood and mutual respect with each other; the competition creates a harmonious collaboration among the participants. All the art pieces would be displayed as a centerpiece at the golden jubilee celebration.
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Modern Life, Traditional Heart - Indigenous Australians in Transition
The celebration of indigenous cultures is lively in the northeastern part of Australia that a large number of worldwide visitors come here to join and experience. Compared to the other areas in Australia, Cairns has a higher population of the indigenous people. In here, you can find handmade traditional wooden tools like boomerangs, spears, and more. The Cairns Indigenous Art Festival (CIAF) is one of the most renowned annual celebrations of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures’ visual and performing arts since 2009, and offers an opportunity for indigenous artists to showcase and sell their artworks.
Undara Volcanic National Park is located in the north Queensland, and is famous for the remains of lava tubes formed around 190,000 years ago. The volcano erupted and expelled great amount of lava around the area, and thus geologically and ecologically affected the environment. In order to better balance the ecology here, indigenous people used fire to manage the forest and the fire management is still applied as the most effective way nowadays. Tallaroo, located west of Undara, is known for the permanent hot springs that is considered as a sacred place for healing purposes by the tribal people.
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Mameli's Mask in Mamoiada
Mamoiada is situated in the centre of Sardinia, the second biggest island of Italy. Sardinia’s Mamuthones is an ancient carnival which can dates back to 2,000 years ago. During the carnival, people wear black mask to scare devils away, and wear white mask to embrace the incoming spring. Next time when you visit Sardinia, besides the delicious cuisine and the fascinating Mediterranean, why don't you stop by Mr. Ruggero Mameli's workshop? He's been working on these traditional masks for more than 30 years, his collections will absolutely amaze you.
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Spinning Tops with Special Love
Finger spinning tops are not merely toys but can be a token of love. A total of 150 tops traveled far and landed on the hands of the students of Wenzhou School for Special Education. It was a kind gesture by Australian woodturner Erine Newman, who was invited over to lead a two-week woodturning training course for the collaborative project of IWCS-AAW beginning September 15, 2014.
A fifth generation wood worker, Newman is active at woodturning events worldwide. Wholeheartedly involving himself in the project, Mr. Newman exerted special efforts in intriguing students’ curiosity about wood as well as instilled them with safe operation guide beyond demonstrating the skill of woodturning.
More information World Wood Day.
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2012 AAW International Symposium
IWCS had the opportunity to attend the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) 26th International Symposium on 8-10 June 2012 at the San Jose Convention & Cultural Facilities. It was 3 days of interesting demonstrations and exhibits that showcased the art and craft of woodturning. Turners and collectors from around the world attended. It was great meeting fellow wood enthusiasts dedicated to the art and craft of woodturning.
The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) is an international, nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of woodturning.
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The 12th All Japan Junior High School Woodcraft Competition
From 19th to 22th January 2012, IWCS went to Tokyo, Japan for a Japanese national woodcraft competition for the juniors. After witnessing the keen and fascinating competition, we eventually obtained the whole picture of the Japanese wood education and its strategy.
Last year, 311 earthquake stroke Japan severely. Therefore, the “12th National Woodcraft Competition for Juniors” set the contest theme as “earthquake-proof cupboard.” 12 regional champions gathered in Tokyo for a total 4-hour-competition. The details of requested items for the cupboard design were announced merely one week before the contest. It required not only creativity but practical skills to complete the work.
Although coming from different regions and backgrounds, every student had an enthusiastic attitude towards woodcraft. This was supported by an ideal and practical education system. As the chief judge Professor Ozaki Shiro had told us, “The competition goal is to make students understand the meaning of wood use, and furthermore, to improve human life by the correct and efficient use of wood.”
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With a nice outcome from AAW's San Jose meeting, IWCS was honored to have Terry Martin as a guest speaker representing AAW to symposium at ZHEJIANG Agriculture and Forestry University in China in September 2012. To spread the idea of Turners Without Borders, Terry showed a different aspect of woodturning and knowledge to local wonders through an excellent demonstration.
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Turning with Challenges - 2013 AAW
The tactile experience in the 2013 AAW Symposium is an enjoyable program designed especially for the visually impaired participants. The video presented shows the participants turning pens with instructors’ assistance and experiencing fun and joy of woodturning. Through this video, the viewers will have very different understanding of the art of this woodcraft technique.
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Young Students Compete to Show Carpentry Skills
The 2nd National Vocational & College Student Carpentry Skills Competition, hosted by the International Wood Culture Society (IWCS), was held in Changsha on Oct. 27, 2013. It was co-organized by the Central South University of Forestry Science and Technology.
Concurrently with the 2013 International Wood Culture Symposium on Taxodiaceae, a competition was held on making wooden stools using Chinese fir. The aim of the activity was to promote the culture of traditional Chinese woodwork, to display and improve vocational & college students' hand carpentry skills, and inspire creativity and passion for carpentry among students.
Applications for the competition opened in July this year, the competition theme was confirmed in September, and design drawings were submitted a week before the competition. Sixteen students from four vocational schools and eleven universities came together on Oct. 27 to show their talents. During the four-hour competition, the students completed a variety of creative work using saws, chisels, axes, planes, using snap lines, drills, and making mortises. Later during the assessment, every competitor explained to the audience their ideas and purposes, and the functions, features and technical difficulties of their work.
The judges were Professor Yang Ping from the faculty of education, Kumamoto University in Japan; Mr. Yang Jinrong , director of the Jiangsu Gongmei Hongmu Culture & Art Institute; and Professor Li Zhen from Tongji University College of Architecture and Urban Planning. They evaluated the works with seven criteria: design and creativity, production skill, the completion of the works, accuracy and quality, structure, material utilization and interpretation. Li Nie from the Xiuning First Senior Vocational School won first place.
Wood, being a naturally eco-friendly and renewable resource, is fundamental for sustainable development, and a low-carbon society and environment. How to master the properties of wood, make full use of the material, and combine theory with practice are key elements. Wood education teachers have a long way to go and expectations on students are high. Such carpentry skill competitions should inspire more passion for wood and carpentry among young people and promote the culture of traditional Chinese carpentry to create competent practitioners for the future.
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2013 China-ASEAN Theme Carving Exposition
Woodcarving Introduced to School Campus
The opening ceremony for the 2013 China-ASEAN Live Wood Carving Exposition and Student Woodcarving Art Festival was held at Guangxi University.The exposition was held in the leafy, shaded square behind the Forestry College at Guangxi University. A large audience, mainly teachers and students, visited the on-site wood carving show over the first 2 days. 20 students from the university also joined the carving team for the festival, while learning and communicating with the artists.
More than 200 students pursuing majors in wood science and technology took part in this activity. In tandem with the exposition and festival, Mr. Yang Jinrong, expert of Chinese Hongmu art and culture, and Mr. Terry Martin, Australian wood artist, gave the students two very impressive lectures.It was a good opportunity for the students to communicate with professional wood carvers face-to-face, and also to start the process of combining wood science with culture. Wood carving, as an art form, has taken its place on the campus.
Different Cultures, One Homeland
The 11 sculptors were from different cultural backgrounds and use different carving styles, but all of the works were created under the same theme, Homeland, and they all used the same scented wood, Camphor.The art works of the 4 artists from ASEAN countries reflected their lifestyles and beliefs. They shared the history and culture of South-east Asian countries with us.Malaysian artist Taufik carved the national flower of Malaysia, the Bunga Raya, while Indonesian artist Sutarya Hrfsor carved the Lotus Flower that is common to both Buddhism and Islam. Indonesian artist I Kadek Parta selected the Ramayana story from Indian history.
Nature and Home, Full of Humanity and Spirit
In the Chinese group, the 7 artists came from Dongyang and Yongjia of Zhejiang province, Xianyou of Fujian province, Lushan of Sichuan province, and Jianchuan of Yunnan province. Their creative works combined modern and traditional skills, reflecting their feelings and dreams about homeland.
Both Xu Yongping and Jin Liquan chose the subject of mother to show their ideas about homeland. Zheng Guodi used the Chinese traditional subject Three Sheep keeping watch on the home. Yang Huanpei’s carving was like a poem and depicted his fantasy homeland, Dali.
Wang Haibo, from Dongyang, Zhejiang province, was the youngest wood carver. He applied Dongyang relief carving skill and used his lively imagination to present us with a Chinese traditional scroll painting, a whole dreamland picture of Peach Blossom Valley.
Wu Xiaomei’s piece was particularly thought-provoking. She showed us a broken house after the earthquake this year in Sichuan, quite a courageous choice.
Wang Guohua, from Xianyou, Fujian Province, took just 2 days to finish his work. He generously incorporated the natural bark and growth-rings of the tree in his piece. As he said, “Human beings need generosity and tolerance, and so does nature. Our home should be a tolerant home.”
Woodturning Show
During the event, Terry Martin, Australian wood artist and a representative of the American Association of Woodturners showed his splendid woodturning technique to the audience in Guangxi University and CAEXPO. His demonstration aroused considerable interest among the crowds.
Highlight of Forest and Wood Products Expo
After Guangxi University, the 2013 China-ASEAN Live Wood Carving Exposition continued at the International Conference and Exhibition Center on 15-17 November, and was a highlight of the Forest and Wood Products Expo.
Mr. Terry Martin, Mr. Feng Wentu, Master of Chinese arts and crafts, and Mr. Yang Jinrong, expert of Hongmu art and culture, were the judges. Zheng Guodi, Yang Huanpei, Sutarya Hrfsor, I Kadek Parta, Taufik and Duangmala Wanlop won prizes for “Outstanding Traditional Value”; Xu Yongping and Jin liqun won prizes for “Special Design”; and Wang Haibo, Wang Guohua and Wu Xiaomei won prizes for “Special Creativity”.
The 2013 China-ASEAN Live Wood Carving Exposition was organized by IWCS, and co-organized by the China-ASEAN Expo Secretariat, Forestry College of Guangxi University, and Jiangsu Hongmu Culture and Arts Institute, and Supported by the China National Forest Products Industry Association, IUFRO-Division 5.
Concurrently with the wood carving exposition, IWCS also organized the 4th China-ASEAN International Wood Culture Forum. Both activities promoted communication, basic academic research and the practice of wood culture in the China-ASEAN area and contributed to the integration of art and culture into the Forest and Wood Products Expo.
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The beautiful Venice Gondola made with the skill that represents the refinement of Italian craftsmanship passed down from 16 and 17 century, is a cultural heritage that embodies values and stories of it. The launching ceremony for blessing presented in this video enables viewers to have a better insight of this traditional woodcraft.
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Porto Wine and Rabelo Boats in Portugal
The Race of Rabelo Boats is an annual competition which first started in 1983. Held in the second biggest city in Portugal, the competition aims to preserve the tradition of Porto wine transportation. Cellars alongside Douro River are sponsors who are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of each Rabelo boat.
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