Costa Rica Today - "Crafts with the Scent of Wood" 1997
Costa Rica Today, January 17, 1997
By Katty Fernández
Crafts with the Scent of Wood
The scent and feel of wood and the sound of gouges and sanders honing it to a fine finish is an every day experience in any wood crafting workshop, but when dedication, creativity, love and deep respect are also part of this process and of each and every final piece we are talking about a very particular place: Biesanz Woodworks.
Owner Barry Biesanz says this is the secret that lends a magic touch to each finished work. He also thinks there should be a sense of satisfaction too. “But not 100% because you must go on perfecting what makes your soul happy, little by little.”
This is how Biesanz Woodworks has become so successful and earned the distinction it enjoys today. Such renowned personalities as ex US presidents Jimmy Carter, George Bush and Ronald Reagan, Queen Sofia of Spain and other famous persons have acquired pieces made in this workshop, according to Biesanz.
Located in Bello Horizonte, Escazú, Biesanz Woodworks has been crafting wood for over 18 years and his 18 employees. To get there take the first left after Puente Los Anonos and follow the signs that say Maderas Biesanz for approximately 3 kilometers until you reach the workshop. Fifteen establishments all over the country also sell pieces from the workshop.
Owner Barry Biesanz says this is the secret that lends a magic touch to each finished work. He also thinks there should be a sense of satisfaction too. “But not 100% because you must go on perfecting what makes your soul happy, little by little.”
This is how Biesanz Woodworks has become so successful and earned the distinction it enjoys today. Such renowned personalities as ex US presidents Jimmy Carter, George Bush and Ronald Reagan, Queen Sofia of Spain and other famous persons have acquired pieces made in this workshop, according to Biesanz.
Located in Bello Horizonte, Escazú, Biesanz Woodworks has been crafting wood for over 18 years and his 18 employees. To get there take the first left after Puente Los Anonos and follow the signs that say Maderas Biesanz for approximately 3 kilometers until you reach the workshop. Fifteen establishments all over the country also sell pieces from the workshop.
All Kinds of Wood
Cigar boxes, jewelry boxes, little boxes for business cards, platters are just some of the pieces you can find in the Biesanz collection, which is made from Granadilla, Cocobolo Rosewood, Balsamo, Mora, and Gravilia.Dedication and Costs
The craftsmanship at Biesanz Woodworks demands a high level of dedication at every stage – from the purchase of wood to the way it is prepared and dried (which usually takes a year) and throughout the process of carving and sanding.
As a result, pieces exported to the United States are high priced, but you can buy them for less here in Costa Rica, since costs are lower.
Biesanz Woodworks wants to strengthen Costa Rican soils and fill them with more trees for both commercial and wilderness purposes, so the business maintains an extensive nursery. You can take any type of seedling you like, for free.