Vince Gillen/Sustainable Wood

Born in Roscoe, Pennsylvania, Vince grew up playing on the banks of the Monongahela River. He received a Bachelor of Science, a Master’s Equivalency in Elementary Education and certification to teach Environmental Studies from California University of Pennsylvania.  Vince taught fourth grade in the Burgettstown Area School District for 34 years.  After retiring in 2005 he worked as a set carpenter for the movie industry in Pittsburgh.

Vince began salvaging the wood that is incorporated into his furniture and craft items when he became the caretaker for the 600+ wooded acres that surround his home and workshop in rural Western Pennsylvania in 1976. Almost all other materials employed in his work are reclaimed and recycled. ABC Carpet in New York City certified Vince as a Green Craftsman in 2004.  His tables, countertops, benches and craft items are in many private homes and businesses throughout the country, including the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Fisher Architects and MAYA Design.

“I find myself fortunate to be the caretaker of almost 600 acres of land in Washington County, Pennsylvania. I am able to harvest almost any tree that dies naturally. So, I never cut down a live tree!  This way, I can stay true to my philosophy of sustainability. I am drawn to the natural beauty of the wood, but I also have a need to put myself into each piece, with inlays of arrows and odd shapes, including repurposed wood and recycled materials.” -Vince Gillen