Pine Beetle Brick

This project was a self-directed project to provide a commentary on the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) epidemic that is projected to kill 80% of British Columbia’s pine by 2013.  These bricks of MPB affected wood exhibit the trademark “blue” colouring throughout the grains as a result of the beetle infestation.  There is speculation as to the structural stability of this wood which presents the question; “Is it a suitable building material, now that is a brick and no longer a stick?”  It may also present questions of our current building practices, and how they are rapidly deforesting our landscapes.  Are we upset that the beetle is killing the trees, or are we mad that the beetle just beat us to the punch?  In the end, these bricks can be used around the house as a book end, a base for a shelf or table, a pencil holder, or a center piece to stimulate conversation around this Canadian issue.

Materials: MPB Pine Size: 7.5” x 3.25” x 2.25”

Buy: Pine Beetle Bricks are available for purchase in Calgary, Alberta at Kit.