If your one-of-a-kind mom deserves a gift that’s as unique as she is, look no further. Dallas-based artist Deborah Hartigan Viestenz has created what just may be the perfect Mother’s Day present: Kodama charcuterie boards.
For starters, they’re visually stunning. Each board is made of black walnut wood, then adorned with an array of crystals, glass, and minerals.
Slabs come in a variety of sizes, hand cut to optimize the wood’s natural characteristics. “Each individual piece dictates what embellishments go on them,” says Deborah.
“The irregularity is an essential part of the beauty.”
This past February, she traveled to the International Gem and Mineral Show in Tucson. “The selection was beyond amazing. My entire garage is filled with gorgeous gemstones.”
Among Deborah’s go-tos: amethyst, topaz, selenite, turquoise, black tourmaline, peridot, and rough-cut rubies. “The combination of stones is what pulls the whole thing together.”
An intriguing backstory adds to the allure. According to Japanese lore, Kodamas are spirits that inhabit trees.
“If a tree is cut down needlessly, it’s believed that one will feel the Kodama’s wrath,” says Deborah. “Conversely, if it is repurposed into something of use and beauty, it brings luck and good fortune.”
All of which makes the boards a tribute to yet another matriarch: Mother Earth.
“Beauty can come from even the most unlikely places—even waste,” she adds.
Many of Deborah’s coffee and accent tables have bases made of upcycled metal—works of art in and of themselves. “A million beautiful things can be done with what we take for granted—and throw away—every day.”
She also recently collaborated with Gary Buckner, founder of Stash Design, on a line of floral-inspired sculptures. “Unchained Flowers,” part of the Remains collection, is made entirely of scrap metal.
“Our mission is two-fold. First, to create thoughtful, captivating sculpture through upcycling and reuse. And secondly, to put our commitment to environmental thinking to work by reducing waste and supporting our local communities,” says Deborah.
The sculptures are currently on display in the windows of renowned Dallas retailer Stanley Korshak. “Color was front and center on the runways this season. Deborah’s art is the perfect complement,” says Bret McKinney, the mastermind behind the store’s stylish display.
Contact the gallery for the current selection. Prices start at $225. A full assortment of Kodama Boards, sculpture and paintings are on display at DHV Artworks, 2835 Irving Boulevard. Mention CANDY’S DIRT for complimentary gift wrap.
