Marquetry Organizations

Let me say before I go any further that individual organizations will not be named in an attempt to give equal billing to all. While it may be enough to name an important group it would at the same time draw attention to one that is unworthy. It is not my intention to provide a forum for the latter. I merely point out their structure, differences and weaknesses. During the years I have been practicing marquetry I have been associated with over half a dozen marquetry organizations. One of these I was intimately involved with including its founding, but let's start at the beginning.

The core of any organization is its members and the volunteers that run it. In some cases they are exploited to serve those in management. However, many craftspeople choose not to join a marquetry group. Their reason might be the amateur nature of the group, the cost associated with it or a lack of any real benefit. Many good marquetry people are not members of an organization. I believe as many as a third of like-minded people are not members. The number might even be higher.

Most of these groups have a statement of purpose that very few live up to and that is the promotion and advancement of marquetry. Some publish a periodical for its members which is not available to the general public. This is usually done to increase membership. (In fact, one such publication is nothing more than an advertising resource for those making a living at marquetry or have an ego to support.) The only opportunity they have to promote marquetry is through annual Exhibitions or limited public Shows. Again a very circumscribed experience for the public.

Over the years, 2 of these organizations have failed. It has always been thought that the cause was a lack of volunteers. I think the cause runs deeper than that. A lot of times they lose sight of why they were formed. Some are based on a business model, if you can call it that, of generating revenue. This takes precedence over all else. Anything tangible has a cost associated with it. If you are a member, you are going to pay. I have seen very kind individuals donate items to their group only to see them resold back to the same members they were meant to benefit.

So, the question remains, can a person benefit from one of these organizations?The answer lies in what you expect from your membership. It will help you connect with other marquetry people in and beyond your area, keep you updated on marquetry events/tools and provide a forum for your questions or ideas. It will not improve your technical deftness or make you an artist. And it will not help you market your marquetry (if that is your aim). The best groups are those devoid of professionals (remember, they are members for one reason) and are populated by members who just enjoy marquetry. Experience can be shared, but it can only be acquired with age.

Photographing Marquetry

In this world of digital photography this task has become rather automated with the advent of the point and shoot camera. This is possible with the use sensors that employ an algorithm to determine the proper lens setting. Film speed, focal length and shutter opening all play a part in this process. The problem is that all sensors are not created equal. Where the sensor obtains the light source has a great impact on the final result. The difference between an acceptable picture and an exacting photo are very noticeable.

To overcome this obstacle a digital camera, and preferable a DSLR, a manual metering system is required. To use this setting a light meter is needed like the one below which I have used since my 16mm film making days.


Light from any source can be used. Once the setting has been determined and set, other factors are considered in taking the best possible picture. A tripod is essential in reducing blur. Another addition is the use of bidirectional lighting. This helps in eliminating shadows by the marquetry frame. I have found though that artificial light negatively impacts the transparency of a photo. If the photo will be cropped with photo-editing software then additional lighting is not needed. The best lighting is natural light. It will produce more natural wood tones and appear ideally realistic. If shooting outdoors and the camera accepts filters then a UV filter is well worth the investment. Another advantage I have found is that the UV filter can increase the warmth of the picture as seen below. The first without the filter and the second with.


Whatever camera you use to capture your marquetry, these will help in producing the best possible picture. Clarity should be the prime objective, but remember that every camera has its limitations. Try to get the most from yours. Leave out unnecessary background and let your marquetry take center stage.