What drew you to woodwork?
From the beginning, I was fascinated by the material and design possibilities, to use it in all its depth and to combine traditional craft with modern design. The desire awoke more and more to learn the craft 'properly' and to make a profession out of my hobby.
How does the material impact your work?
Careful treatment of nature is a priority: using local wood, air-dried when possible, recycling leftovers – the shavings serve as filling material for packaging, or as heating material for wood firing. I also encourage repairing instead of producing new.
Do you use any special techniques?
I work with the usual long and cross wood turning techniques with their specificities, such as overhead turning, heel turning or off-centre turning. I can also work with wet and dry wood, and master the technique of leaf gilding which I integrate into my creations.
Could your craft be considered in danger?
Handmade craftsmanship is increasingly being replaced by digitalised, optimised production methods. Large quantities are produced by machines, the individual creator is thus lost. Today, the commercial woodturner is understood as being a product manufacturer. Unfortunately creative resources are often not sufficiently recognised and used.