plywerk's Profile

Bio

A Brief History In Portland...

Plywerk began in the dark, damp recesses of Kim Nguyen's and Kjell van Zoen's basement in Northwest Portland. Kim, a photographer, needing to mount a photo, grabbed a piece of discarded plywood from the aforementioned dark, cold--really just plain dreary--basement and glued a photo to it. A light bulb beamed from atop the self-professed frugal entrepreneur Kjell's head, temporarily blinding his wife Kim. But from that one piece of disposable wood, a sustainable Ma and Pa business was formed.

They began selling their modern artisanal and earth friendly wares at local art walks, moving up to the big time of the Portland Saturday Market. There they met like-minded artists and together they succeeded in opening up a co-op shop of their very own called Splurge on Lower Fremont.

Since their claustrophobic basement (it was seriously a small basement) beginnings in 2006, Plywerk has grown in size and demand. By adding friend and colleague Johnny Zeigler in 2007, Plywerk continues its desire to branch out to not only fill the demand for their product, but to strengthen their bond with other Portland artists and businesses. They are part of this local economy and know that their growth means the growth of their partners and their community.

www.plywerk.com

Male, Born on February 5

Favorite Materials

plywood, wood, bamboo, photos, prints