There are 500 times more pine trees living in Latvia than there are people. Now that's a lot of pinecones!
It's also a whole load of tree. As a general rule Lativians tend to value the inner soft wood core as it is a sought after construction material. However, native designer Sarmite Polakova has challenged this convention and is posing the question as to whether the entire tree can be put to good use.
With Pineskin, Sarmite has discovered that the secondary layer of the bark of a pine tree has a leathery quality; its pliable, tough and can be woven.
The rugs, wearable garments and bags that she creates also have a two-year life span at which point they can be returned to the earth as it’s a completely biodegradable material, something that Sarmite sees as an important factor in working with a seasonal substance.
For more information on her narrative approach check out her website.
