Artist fuses nature and technology

In a fusion of technology and nature, Sisters entrepreneur Justin Crofoot has created a unique accessory for Apple computers.

Last year, Crofoot started a small business, Silva Limited, from a shop behind his house, handcrafting custom bamboo cases for Apple MacBooks and iPads.

"I've lived most my life in Central Oregon and went to school right here in Sisters," he said. "When I was 10 years old, I started to learn how to work with wood with my father. He runs a family owned and operated hardwood flooring business. Growing up and working with him, I was continually exposed to how wood works and what I could make

with it."

Each individual Silva case is made from a bare sheet of premium bamboo and CNC-machined hardware cut to exact Apple specifications, then entirely hand-assembled, felted and sanded. The strap is cut from cowhide, shaped for a comfortable feel, then burnished and oiled to perfection. Its rich, lustrous surface is accomplished using a hand-rubbed tung oil finish, then two coats of polyurethane for a hard, glass-like polish.

"It all started when I was looking for a MacBook case and realized there wasn't anything out there on the market with a handle that wasn't canvas or leather or neoprene," he said. "Most cases are just sleeves and I thought I could do something different and better, taking a material that is organic and true to its nature, then pairing it with the futuristic design and simple style of Apple products. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, and has a very unique grain and texture. It's such a cool wood and is eco-friendly and has so much character."

Crofoot credits his good friend and graphics designer Chad DeWilde for bringing the innovation to fruition:

"Chad owns The Beautiful Design in Hood River and he was able to really encourage the idea and get me to jumpstart the process. He helped with the logo, my website, and taught me to get creative in the way people look at things. My product is based on a very minimalistic design, and we want people to look at the cases and know intuitively how they work. The word Silva comes from the Latin word for timber or thicket and I think it's suitable for the exact type of environment that bamboo is grown."

Crofoot is inspired by the response they've received so far.

"I've been able to sell these cases all over the world in just this last year, and sold over 200 with almost no money invested in advertising or marketing, pretty much only by word of mouth," he said.

Living and working in Sisters, amid the supportive community and scenic beauty, affords the young artist a place where artistic expression and commerce can collide.

Crofoot's bamboo creations have been featured in Wired Magazine, Mac Life and Mac Format magazines, as well as keen interest shown in worldwide tech and travel publications. MacBook cases weigh just over two pounds and the iPad 2 and 3 case is about one pound, extremely light for being made out of solid wood. Inside, the box is lined with wool felt.

For more information visit www.silvaltd.com.