Carving wood is a two-way street: while you might have a clear vision of what you want to create, the wood’s knots and grain will often force you to adapt. That’s why this chair, carved by Alex Johnson from a single brown oak stump, is so impressive.

Johnson spent six months working on the chair in 2014, while on a seasonal residency. The tree was felled by Paul Berry, “a fifth generation timber man,” and the remainder of the tree was milled by Mouse Pritchard-Barrett of Drywood Ltd. It was shown at the Alde Valley Spring Festival.

More info: aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk (h/t: twistedsifter)