Working from the Heart

by Marta Mulholland I am often humbled by the generosity of energy and spirit that people bring to volunteer work. This was evidenced when we undertook a process called Shou Sugi Ban (or Yakisugi), “an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil.” Volunteers learned this charring technique to create weather-proof, beautiful siding for the lower portion of the new Commons building. After a few work parties, progress was being made. Volunteer Joel Shrut and I learned the process from Ray Shelly from Jade Craftman Builders, and staff member Cathy Buller helped burn, clean, and oil many boards. A number of other volunteers had also helped, but with Commons construction moving forward we were up against a deadline. I knew the process was slow, so I was grateful when volunteer JJ McMinds called to offer more help. “I can come up this weekend,” she said, “and bring my friend Brett to help you with the Shou Sugi Ban.” I hoped that the three of us would be able to get a few boards done. Well, they didn’t mess around! JJ and Brett burned wood nonstop, while I went in and out on project-related errands throughout the day. They came back the next morning, and invested a full second day in dirty, satisfying work. Several Restoration & Renewal Retreat participants jumped in to help as well, and what I thought was going to take multiple work parties with multiple people ended up completely finished in just one weekend! I’m grateful to JJ and Brett, as well as Joel, Ray, Cathy, and everyone else who helped! Together we completed the Shou Sugi Ban process on 85 boards, and they have become a stunning addition to our new Commons building. To read more and see photos from the project, visit www.whidbeyinstitute.org/shou-sugi-ban.

Pictured, left: the back of one of the finished boards with well wishes in Latvian and Lushootseed. Right: Joel Shrut and Marta Mulholland covered in soot.