Life & Work with Renata Hromadkova of Boulder, Colorado

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renata Hromadkova.

Hi Renata, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Where Trees Transform, Stories Take Root, and Sustainability Grows

At Tree Sky, every piece begins with a promise: to honor the life of the tree and the story it carries. Rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and environmental education, our work transforms fallen or removed urban trees into fine art, furniture, public installations, and meaningful everyday objects.

We believe that every piece of wood matters. Whether it’s a branch, a trunk, or a twisted remnant from a storm, we hand-select each material for its character and origin. Often, we know exactly where the tree stood—whether in a local park, a neighborhood street, or a private backyard. These details matter to us. They help us understand the tree’s past, its community, and how it might live again in new form.

Our mission is balance: to create socially and environmentally responsible pieces using only locally sourced urban wood. Every project is an act of preservation and renewal. Using traditional woodworking techniques, we let the wood speak—respecting its natural curves, grains, and imperfections. What emerges is never forced. Each finished work unfolds into a one-of-a-kind sculpture, piece of furniture, or wearable art.

Tree Sky also exists beyond the studio. Through public education, social media, and direct community engagement, we promote a zero-waste lifestyle, advocate for the protection of old-growth forests and rainforests, and help others rediscover their own connection to nature. Our outdoor installations and public art pieces bring people closer to the natural world—fostering emotional well-being, cognitive connection, and curiosity.

From classroom shaped like nests to benches carved from storm-felled trees, our creations carry the energy of the forest into daily life. They remind us that sustainability isn’t just a choice—it’s a story we live, carve, and share.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road—but like the trees we work with, our journey has been shaped by resilience. Working with reclaimed urban wood is inherently unpredictable. Each tree presents its own challenges—hidden cracks, decay, unexpected textures—and we’ve learned to adapt, listen, and work with what nature offers, not against it.

Early on, one of our biggest struggles was convincing people of the value in what others saw as discarded material. We had to build trust, educate our audience, and show—piece by piece—that sustainability and beauty can coexist powerfully.

Running a purpose-driven, hands-on business also means navigating tight resources, unpredictable timelines, and long hours. But every challenge has deepened our mission and refined our process.

What keeps us going is the impact—seeing a tree once destined for the landfill transformed into a sculpture, a bench, a place to gather or reflect. That transformation, both for the wood and for those who encounter it, is what makes the journey worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Tree Sky, we transform reclaimed urban trees into functional art—sculptures, fine furniture, public installations, home décor, and jewelry. Our specialty lies in honoring the natural form and story of each tree, using traditional woodworking techniques and biophilic design principles to create pieces that are not only beautiful, but deeply connected to place, memory, and sustainability.

We’re known for our hands-on, deeply intentional process. Every branch, trunk, and twig we use is locally sourced and carefully selected. We often know the exact origin of the tree, and that story becomes part of the piece. Our outdoor works are preserved naturally for long-lasting use, and our designs highlight the curves, textures, and imperfections that make each piece one of a kind.

We’re most proud of how our work bridges art, ecology, and community. From carving “The Nest” classroom in cooperation with Boulder Parks and Recreation for local school to creating contemplative seating for trailheads, our projects are born from collaboration and meant to give back.

What sets us apart is our belief that every piece of wood matters—and every transformation we create is rooted in that reverence for the natural world and the people who live within it.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about our city—especially the North Boulder Art District—is the creative energy and sense of community. There’s a genuine appreciation for local artists, sustainability, and the natural world, which aligns perfectly with our mission. Being surrounded by other makers, thinkers, and environmentally conscious people fuels our creativity and inspires collaboration. The access to open space, trails, and the beauty of the foothills also keeps us grounded and constantly connected to nature, which is essential for our work.

What I like least is the rising cost of living and studio space, which can make it difficult for artists and small creative businesses to thrive long-term. It sometimes feels like the very culture that makes this city special is at risk of being priced out. Still, the passion of the creative community here is strong—and we continue to adapt, support each other, and carve out space (literally and figuratively) to keep art and sustainability at the heart of Boulder.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://treeskyecoart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tree_sky_ecoart/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renata-hromadkova-a61a22220/