ELIGE MADERA Atlantic Artisans Take Advantage of Driftwood from the Beaches of Santa Veronica Walking the beaches of Santa Veronica in Colombia, it’s common to find wooden logs that have washed up on the shore. These could easily be mistaken for just trash from the ocean but luckily, this wooden debris is being cleaned and given to local artisans so they can transform them into decorative pieces, furniture and functional goods. This practice of carving with shipwrecked wood represents one of the most important artisan techniques of the Atlantic. Walking the beaches of Santa Veronica in Colombia, it’s common to find wooden logs that have washed up on the shore. These could easily be mistaken for just trash from the ocean but luckily, this wooden debris is being cleaned and given to local artisans so they can transform them into decorative pieces, furniture and functional goods. This practice of carving with shipwrecked wood represents one of the most important artisan techniques of the Atlantic. "With them (the artisans,) we are collecting the wood that washes up as waste from the sea to serve as raw material for them, to be later transformed into works of art in the hands of our artisans, who are experts at working with this wood. This way, we strengthen this beautiful traditional craft and contribute to a sustainable economy," said Elsa Noguera, the departmental governor in charge of the delivery of the driftwood. The Collection Process The company Triple A is in charge of cleaning the beaches but they work together with the artisans, who play a fundamental role. The artisans’ knowledge of how to select and identify the wood that can be used for handicrafts facilitates the process of separating the useful material to be carved. Ángel Paternina, an artisan from Santa Verónica who has perfected his technique after more than 30 years, points out that the collection process begins with the selection of suitable wood to be transformed, after which the carving begins. "To choose the right wood, we look for large trunks and check that there aren’t any holes, it isn’t splintered, it’s solid wood, and that it’s suitable for a good drying process. Then we clean the wood and, following its natural shape, the piece itself tells us what it should be transformed into. Shipwrecked wood handicrafts are increasingly in demand in the market due to their beauty and because they’re unique," said the artisan. Meanwhile, Diana Acosta, Secretary of Culture and Heritage, highlighted the comprehensive nature of this activity, which has helped the area experience a revitalization of tourism, sports, environment and culture, reflected here through the work of the craftsmen and women of the Atlantic.