THE PROCESS
Materials
I create marquetry portraits. With great care and the usage of carefully selected, quality materials, the end result is a unique, personal piece of wood art.
Photo processing
I work based on photos provided by my clients. As a first step, I convert the photo to an art style suitable for marquetry. I present the artwork to the client before the actual crafting process begins, in order to make sure that the final piece will fit the client's vision.
Tools
This unique technique requires a great investment of time. The artwork is created through many steps using raw materials and special tools. While the wood panels are hard, during the process of making they are prone to crack, bending only to the patience of a well trained craftsman.
Templates
Using templates based on this artwork,
I begin the process of cutting the numerous components of the marquetry. Every single separate piece of the artwork needs to be cut three times with outmost precision, so that they will fit together in the marquetry as pieces of a unusually complex jigsaw puzzle.
Tape
During this process, I work with the backside of the final wooden image, and fit together the pieces temporarily with tape.
Gluing & Pressing
When this phase is done, the pieces are glued to a wooden surface with pressure. Finaly, the tapes are removed carefuly, revealing the final image for the first time.
Cleaned
After this, the piece is cleaned up and final touches are added, then the whole piece is sanded to remove the minuscule differences in thickness of the raw materials used.
Surface treatment
Then the piece is finalized by chamfering the outer edges and treating the surface with oils that will protect it from ambient moisture.
Quality stamp
As the final step, my seal of quality is stamped onto the back of the piece.
If I managed to intrigue you with the love of my craft, feel free to contact me directly, or submit a price inquiry.
The final product...
...possesses an unique handcrafted quality that is unachievable by any other means. This particular technique omits the use of varnish, opting to use oils for protection instead, which allows the natural, raw colours of the wood to dominate. The natural colour of the wood subtly changes and matures with the passing of years.
