Marquetry is the art of making pictures in wood veneers, differing from inlay in that, rather than being "set" into a cavity, the field or background itself is applied to the surface to be decorated. It is a woodworking tradition found primarily in the West, adorning furniture and cabinetry, as well as standing alone as art.
Inspired by my great-grandfather's marquetry, I began creating my own works several years ago as gifts for friends and family. Using a variety of domestic and exotic wood species, each piece is individually hand-cut to produce heirloom quality works of art. I prefer a process known as the ‘template method’ in which each piece is used as a scribe for the pieces that follow. This technique gained prominence not only in Spain, but in the Italian schools of marquetry and intarsia that evolved around Sorrento.
Though this process necessitates a picture be cut in a specific order, I prefer it because it allows the picture to evolve over the cutting process. Thus woods can be selected for their color, tone, and grain orientation in respect to the parts of the picture that have already been assembled. The final picture, once assembled, is applied to a substrate using a veneering press. I frame the pieces with a solid hardwood, much of which was harvested from family property, and chosen to complement the wood tones used in the work.
On the following pages you will see both galleries of works I have done, as well as items that are currently for sale. While viewing the marquetry, please keep in mind that any piece can be recreated to your specifications, whether it is a different size, wood tones used, or a custom frame to match your own home's décor. It can also be incorporated into the furniture pieces and built-ins that I make such as custom cabinets or vanities. I would be happy to discuss any ideas or inspirations that you may have for a custom marquetry piece.
