Marquetry Process
Marquetry involves combining thin pieces of a variety of woods, using the natural hues and grains of the wood, to produce “paintings in wood.” The wood veneers are cut using either a saw or a knife and then assembled and glued onto a substrate such as furniture or a panel that can be hung as a picture.
Eric creates his marquetry artwork from his own original drawings. He marks and cuts all of his veneers by hand using either a knife or a scroll saw. He does not use lasers in his work because he feels they limit expression and originality. Choosing from his extensive wood inventory, each piece of veneer is selected for color, texture and grain orientation to achieve the desired effect. He presently uses only natural (non-dyed) wood veneers. He often employs the extensive use of sand shading to create shadows and other natural effects. Sand shading is the technique of darkening parts of the veneer by submerging it into hot sand. This technique dates back to the 18th century. Eric’s pictures are finished using a variety of hand-applied finishes including oils, shellacs, and varnishes. Eric’s marquetry artwork uses these ancient techniques to explore the natural world that surrounds him. He finds that the process of expressing these themes remains constantly new and challenging.
Marquetry History
The earliest known pictures made from wood were created by the Egyptians over 3,000 years ago using a technique known as inlay. Marquetry can be dated back to 14th century Italy. By the 15th century many churches featured elaborate marquetry panels of saints or other religious figures. Many of these marquetry panels still exist. In the 17th century as veneers were getting thinner and tools were getting better, marquetry was being practiced much as we know it today. In America marquetry was used during the 18th century as stylized ornamentation on Federal furniture. Marquetry remains an art form that is unfamiliar to most Americans. Today marquetry is being used to create new and diverse artworks by a variety of artists around the world.
Marquetry Care
With proper care, marquetry pictures can last for centuries.
Basic rules for marquetry care:
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Avoid excessive moisture and humidity.
Avoid extreme heat or cold.
Do not sand the picture.
