# Discarded Tree Trunk Sculptures This Sculptor Turns Tree Trunks into Modern Furniture By Christopher Magsambol | Published 2015-09-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/discarded-tree-trunk References: [boredpanda](http://www.boredpanda.com/discarded-wood-sculptures-jae-hyo-lee/) & [ignant.de](http://www.ignant.de/2015/09/22/impressive-tree-trunk-sculptures-by-jae-hyo-lee/) South Korean artist Jae-Hyo Lee masterfully converts [discarded tree trunks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funeral-for-a-tree) into modern art. Lee goes through a difficult process of first burning the material before polishing it and moulding the material into unique [wooden sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1). Lee works with local artisans in Korea to create his larger scale pieces. Lee's goal is to not only to create art, but to feature and maintain much of the wood's natural look. Lee also likes to utilize as much of the discarded tree trunk and other natural pieces to create much larger pieces that mix wood tones. Not only is his work featured throughout Yangpyeong but Lee also makes modern furniture that is just as functional as it is stylish. Lee's ingenuity has led him to create [unique wooden chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wood-chair-on-grass) and creative seating solutions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Upcycled Furniture:** Opportunity for businesses to transform discarded materials into modern and sustainable furniture designs. - **Artistic Recycling:** Businesses can explore the potential of turning waste materials into beautiful art pieces, adding value and creativity to recycling efforts. - **Functional Sculpture:** Innovative businesses can explore the combination of art and functionality, merging sculpture and furniture design to create visually stunning and practical pieces. ### Where This Applies - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Opportunity for furniture manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices and create unique and eco-friendly pieces using unconventional materials. - **Art and Sculpture:** Artists and sculptors can explore new ways of repurposing materials to create breathtaking sculptures that reflect creativity and environmental consciousness. - **Recycling and Waste Management:** Businesses in the recycling and waste management industry can collaborate with artists and designers to promote the value of turning waste materials into art and functional products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rustic Recycled Wood Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primitive-structures-table-design.md) - [Sculptural Nature-Inspired Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drop-series.md) - [Monolithic Furniture Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conversation-with-trees.md) - [Elegant Woodturned Furniture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodturned-furniture.md) - [Geometric Wooden Art Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aleph-geddis.md) - [Repurposed Sawdust Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sawdust-low-table.md) - [Wooden Identity Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity.md) - [Island-Inspired Wooden Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/island-table.md) - [Leftover Wood-Constructed Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alexander-lervik-1.md)