We’re a small team of makers in Vermont, working out of a little shop where sawdust flies, ideas spark, and coffee keeps us going. Every piece of art we create starts as a conversation—about what’s beautiful, meaningful, or just plain fun to put on a wall. We’re not a big company with a shiny headquarters. It’s just us: a handful of people who care deeply about what we do.
Our process? It’s pretty old-school. We cut, frame, and finish everything by hand, one piece at a time. That’s how we make sure each piece we send out the door is something we’re proud of—because it’s not just wall art to us. It’s a little slice of Vermont craftsmanship that’ll hang in your home for years to come.
Our Story So Far
Introduction: The Timeless Language of Art
From the earliest moments of civilization, humans have sought to shape the world around them—not merely to survive, but to express, to create, and to elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary. Art is more than decoration; it is the heartbeat of humanity, a silent witness to our longing, ingenuity, and connection. Whether traced in the flickering ochre of ancient cave paintings, meticulously etched into the sacred timbers of temples, or breathed into the grain of a hand-carved wooden panel, the impulse to create is woven into the fabric of our existence.
Art and design infuse meaning into the spaces we inhabit, urging us to slow down, to notice, and to appreciate. They remind us that form and function can harmonize, that the objects we surround ourselves with should not only serve a purpose but should also inspire. At Birch & Buffalo, every creation embodies this philosophy—a belief that craftsmanship is not just the act of making, but of storytelling. It is the transformation of raw material into something that speaks, that breathes, that lingers in the spaces we call home. Each piece is more than wood and form; it is a dialogue between artist and observer, between past and future, between the untamed spirit of nature and the hands that shape it into lasting beauty.
Chapter 1: The Woodshop in Vermont
The scent of sawdust lingers in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of aged timber and varnish. A solitary beam of sunlight pierces through an unlikely opening in the industrial shell, stretching nearly the full length of the shop in a narrow band of golden warmth. Suspended in its glow, dust particles—ordinarily invisible—suddenly spring to life, glistening in an ethereal display, like stardust in slow motion. Sunlight is rare in Vermont this time of year, but its low angle spills into seldom-touched corners, casting long, soft shadows where warmth rarely lingers. The rhythmic hum of machines blends with the occasional sharp rap of mallet or chisel against wood, a steady symphony of creation echoing through the space.
As if on cue, movement stirs in one of these forgotten recesses, sending the swirling stardust scattering like a startled flock. A fleeting, amorphous shadow glides low to the ground before resolving into the unmistakable form of Endo, the ever-faithful shop dog. Drawn toward the fleeting warmth by some ancient instinct, he slinks forward, pausing momentarily to take in the celestial display before resuming his post-nap ritual: a luxurious stretch, an endearing yawn, and a thorough shake—unleashing a grand finale of dust and sawdust in a shimmering cascade. Satisfied, he settles into his favorite spot, the perfect vantage for him to observe the movements of two of his favorite humans.
At the heart of this shop, a pair of craftsmen move with practiced ease, each absorbed in their task. Jason, his hands calloused from years of meticulous work, runs his fingers along the grain of a freshly cut panel, reading the patterns like a familiar story. His eyes trace the flow of the wood, assessing how best to shape and refine it. Across the room, Kenan is hunched over a workbench, block plane in hand, delicately modifying pieces to perfect a precise geometric design. His brow furrows in concentration, his movements a quiet dialogue between artist and material.
This woodshop is more than a place of work—it is a sanctuary of transformation. Raw materials enter as something untouched, and under the steady hands of skilled craftsmen, they are coaxed into something greater. The walls and periphery of the shop bear witness to countless projects, each a testament to patience, vision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Every cut, every curve, every measured decision carries the weight of tradition while pushing the boundaries of innovation. Each tool has a story, just like the hands that wield them. Here, there is no rush, no shortcuts—only the careful rhythm of craft, the slow unfolding of something timeless.
Chapter 2: Roots in Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship is more than skill; it is heritage, tradition, and the silent conversation between maker and material. For Jason and Kenan–the Birch & Buffalo team–the journey into woodworking was shaped by years of dedication, mentors who passed down time-honored techniques, and a shared reverence for the integrity of natural materials.
Kenan’s relationship with craft began in childhood. Raised in the Bruderhof, an intentional Christian community with strong ties to Germany, he was immersed in a world that valued hands-on skills, precision, and the patience required to shape raw materials into something purposeful. From an early age, he spent countless hours in the school woodshop—known as the "boys’ shop"—where he learned the fundamentals of woodworking, carpentry, and metalwork. It was here that he developed an appreciation for form, structure, and the balance between utility and beauty.
This early exposure to craftsmanship naturally evolved into a passion for design and architecture. Kenan was drawn to the process of conceptualizing and creating, fascinated by how geometry, proportion, and material choice could define both functional objects and artistic compositions. After refining his craft as a carpenter, he pursued formal studies in architecture, deepening his understanding of spatial relationships, structural integrity, and the interplay between natural materials and human creativity. These experiences shaped his meticulous approach to design, ensuring that every piece he creates is both technically precise and artistically compelling.
Jason’s path, though different, shares the same deep-rooted respect for craftsmanship. His background in automotive restoration honed his ability to read imperfections, refine surfaces, and restore forgotten objects with patience and precision. Whether shaping a fender or refining the contours of a wooden panel, he learned that great craftsmanship is not just about technique—it is about seeing beyond what is in front of you, envisioning the finished piece within the raw material, and understanding how to coax it into form. The same eye for detail that once restored classic automobiles now informs his approach to woodworking, where surface, finish, and structure come together in seamless harmony.
Together, Jason and Kenan bring these distinct but complementary backgrounds to Birch & Buffalo. Our work is informed by tradition but is not bound by it. We seek to blend the past with the present, respecting time-honored techniques while embracing innovation. Every piece we create carries a lineage of skill, care, and the belief that true craftsmanship is not just a profession—it is a way of seeing the world, of working with one's hands, and of leaving something behind that is built to endure.
Chapter 3: A Brand Reimagined
Every brand carries a story, but few are given the opportunity for rebirth—to evolve, adapt, and find new meaning while honoring the foundation on which they were built. Birch & Buffalo is one of those rare brands, one whose origins were rich with potential yet waiting for the right hands to shape its future. When the opportunity to own Birch & Buffalo crossed our path, we didn’t just see a business opportunity; we saw an open canvas, a framework upon which we could craft something extraordinary.
Originally launched in 2019, Birch & Buffalo was born in Kentucky with a distinctive Southwestern aesthetic—bold geometric compositions, warm-toned wood, and striking symmetry. It quickly gained recognition, inspiring both admiration and imitation. Yet beneath its success lay an opportunity for transformation. When we acquired the brand, we quickly recognized that we were inheriting more than a name. We were stepping into a legacy of craftsmanship and creativity, one that required careful reinvention to make it truly our own.
For both Jason and Kenan, the reimagining of Birch & Buffalo was never about erasing the past but about expanding upon it. We saw a chance to infuse the brand with the soul of Vermont—its rugged landscapes, deep artistic traditions, and enduring spirit of craftsmanship. Where the brand had once been shaped by the warmth and tones of the Southwest, we began weaving in the themes and textures of the Northeast—moody forests, crisp mountain air, and the shifting light that dances across the waters of Lake Champlain.
Our approach is one of evolution, not revolution. We strive to honor the brand’s origins while introducing our own distinct perspectives—Jason’s mastery of finish, texture, and surface refinement, and Kenan’s deep understanding of geometry, proportion, and spatial composition. We have experimented with richer stains, subtler contrasts, and more intricate patterns, bringing new depth to many pieces. Through this process, Birch & Buffalo became more than just a name—it became a reflection of our combined vision, a fusion of past and present, tradition and innovation.
As the brand continues to flourish under our guidance, so too will its purpose. No longer is it just about making beautiful art—it’s about storytelling, about craftsmanship that carries meaning beyond aesthetics. Each piece is a tribute to the landscapes and heritage that inspires it, a bridge between the material world and the emotions it evokes.
Birch & Buffalo is more than a brand reimagined; it is a brand reborn—one that continues to evolve, to inspire, and to tell stories through the hands that shape it.
... more to come next month (March 2025).