Founded by Chicago native Neil Galati in May 2013, Wreck Creation (http://www.wreck-creation.com) is a foundry for contemporary works of art and furniture constructed solely of reclaimed materials. The newly opened retail storefront, located in the heart Lincoln Park near the intersection of Halsted Street and North Avenue, emerges as the pinnacle of Neil’s transition from an 18-year veteran build
er and carpenter to furniture designer and wood artist. Driven by a love of design and passion for the primitive, Neil creates one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly pieces of furniture and works of art that challenge the limits of traditional composition.
“The path I take is dictated by my connection with the wood itself, unless otherwise predesigned I let my heart, mind, and passions take a hold of my tools making the building process just as genuine and sincere as my love for what I do.” – Neil Galati
Whether built for functionality or purely ornamental purposes, no two Wreck Creation pieces are the same–nor will they ever be. The wood alone is distinctive in its own right. Unlike new wood that is grown quickly and strictly for harvest, the antiquated lumber of Neil’s fixtures originated in natural environments, displaying durability and strength from battling the elements for sun and nutrients. While visualizing a new design, Neil contemplates the story behind the reclaimed wood, embracing its natural veneer, inherent finish, and distinguishing characteristics. Its past narrative is equally as important to the direction of the new product he fabricates. Conversely, Neil also gives way to the creative process, concocting something from an array of discarded materials lying in front of him—with not even a scrap left behind! Neil finds personal salvation in his ability to resurrect the souls of the furniture pieces he recreates. His reclaimed wood mirrors have a warm, distinguished feel that adds character to spaces traditional and modern alike. His abstract wall hangings show a wonderful balance between warm vintage and clean modern rustic. The subtle blend of neutral colors within the wood that he works with captures surrounding hues to match well with just about any paint or woodwork within the space. Neil takes great pride in not only presenting customers with a quality piece of reclaimed furniture, but also an original work of art with its own history. Breathing life back into the vintage materials he sources locally, Neil uses the bits and pieces as the canvas and inspiration for his creations. With each imaginative assembly, Wreck Creation transforms forgotten pieces of the past into functional furnishings that can be shared with family and friends for years to come.