Toy train sets are charming playthings for children of all ages, but they seldom celebrate the wooden beginnings of their materiality. Tree Track by Christien Meindertsma achieves this in the most compelling way.
The Flevopolder in the Netherlands yielded this beautiful beech tree, which the talented carver sliced meticulously, keeping branches and roots in tact to the best of her ability. Careful sculpting, whittling and engraving gave the arboreal silhouette a set of four converging train tracks at the trunk that part again towards the boughs.
This beautifully poetic project was presented at Rotterdam's 'Make a Forrest' and it was undertaken with support from InnovationNetwork. Words can barely describe the exquisite quality of the Tree Track by Christien Meindertsma, where a close look reveals the scrupulous craftsmanship of a magnificent piece of art.
Bona Fide Branch Railroads
The Tree Track Guides Toy Trains to their Roots
Trend Themes
1. Natural Material Transformation - The use of natural materials such as trees, in creating artistic and functional objects like toy trains sets can enable transforming the industry from using synthetic materials to eco-friendly ones.
2. Customization and Personalization - Creating customized toy train sets through crafting natural materials could be a trend in which individuals can express their values and unique personality in their plaything.
3. Artful Playthings - Blending art and play, the creation of beautiful and elegant toy train sets that pay homage to nature can revolutionize the toy industry beyond mere entertainment.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - The use of natural materials in creating toy train sets can create opportunities for manufacturers to differentiate themselves from competitors and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
2. Art and Sculpture - The creation of elegant and artistic toy train sets from natural materials can present opportunities for artists and sculptors to explore creativity, express their vision, and create unique pieces.
3. Environmental Conservation - The creation of artful and functional objects like toy train sets using natural materials can generate awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and preserving natural resources.