What Wood You Do?
“A man who works with his hands is a laborer. A man who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. A man who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist.”
― Saint Francis of Assisi
It may have been a few centuries ago when this patron saint of Italy made this observation, but it holds true today and undoubtedly will for the rest of time. And it’s this simple truth that inspired Dave Rozek and Sherry Light to open the Bison Trading Company in Rome, Wisconsin.
Dave will tell you, there might be a place in this world for mass produced (read uninspired and commonplace) woodcrafts – whether it be furniture or home décor – but not at Bison Trading Company. Nope, Bison, specializes in one-of-a-kind, custom concepts that exude nothing but creativity and quality. Everything in the store is painstakingly hand-crafted to well beyond its useful purpose. It’s not just a wall cabinet. It’s a work of art. Not just a table, but something that will be cherished for generations because of its natural beauty.
At Bison Trading Company, they believe that wood is the most intimate of all materials and is nature’s perfect demonstration of exquisite beauty. They also believe that the interplay between different species of wood and different materials is what makes for the most remarkable and ‘got-to-have-it’ creations. And there’s proof positive in everything from the live-edge dining tables to the rustic clocks to the segmented cutting boards to the hand-turned black walnut bowls that fill every square inch of Bison.
But it’s not just the beauty of wood that Dave and Sherry cherish. With an eye toward everything old is new again, they have curated some of the most interesting vintage iron and relic pieces you’ll find anywhere. On either side of the Mississippi!
That’s right. They couldn’t do it alone. They know that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. So, in a partnership with other like-minded artisans, Bison Trading Company showcases lamps crafted from antique snow skis, clocks fashioned out of old whisky barrels, and wall sconces hanging from rustic barn pulleys, just to name a few.
In the corner, there’s a fan where the blades have been replaced by tubular Edison bulbs making it the most unique floor lamp that’s ever lit up a room. On a mantle on the side wall, there’s another lamp fashioned out of an old brass boat propeller. Can you imagine your guests seeing that on your mantle in your home? They’ll want one. But you’ll know, they can’t have one. Cuz there’s just one. And you have it!
So, here’s the bottom line; if you’re looking for something that is one-of-a-kind creative, of immense beauty, and ridiculous craftsmanship, then you owe it to yourself to visit the Bison Trading Company in Rome, Wisconsin. If you do, you’ll undoubtedly go home with something that no one else will have, but everyone will want.
Bison Trading Company is located in the Alpine Business Park in Rome, Wisconsin at 285 Geneva Trail. They can be reached at 715-325-3233 or www.bisontradingcollc.net.
Written by: Lydell Capritta