Regional Differences

After a respite of unintended duration I was able to relocate and have exchanged my workshop for a studio environment. I no longer feel compelled to create marquetry for others. My main focus now is to work on projects that challenge me and enkindle my passion for marquetry. Occasionally, I will teach a class to art students who are looking for an alternative medium. In all, I am more focused on marquetry than ever before.

As an afterthought I pondered the regional differences found in creating marquetry. These are generalizations and exceptions do exist. Americans are fond of their technology and seem convinced that marquetry can only be created with the latest and most costly scrollsaw. Emphasis is placed on technique more than design. I would go so far as to say they have an obsession with joints while neglecting their art. In my case, I never used a scrollsaw until after I had worked with the fretsaw and knife for nearly 10 years. Some regions of the World are dedicated knife users. It is interesting to note that obstacles encountered by one group are often eliminated by the other. One contributing factor to these regional differences may be that only one technique is taught in that area. Those that really apply themselves may learn the other elsewhere and that makes all the difference for the gifted artist. This may be a blindsided assessment, but the lesson here is not so much how marquetry is created as what was created.

The Three Modes of Marquetry

Having been involved in marquetry for over 20 years (a comparatively short time to others that I know), I have noticed 3 levels or classes of marquetry craftspeople. While each is important and has its place, it is worth noting that all say something about the practitioner. The influences at work here are environmental, technical and cultural. I believe the second factor is the one which is most malleable. Determination or lack thereof may also play a part.

The first level are those that work from marquetry kits or utilize preexisting patterns that have the veneer choice specified beforehand. For some this is all the motivation they possess. In most cases they are only interested in making marquetry and do not want to be concerned with any other aspect of it. On the other hand this may be an entry choice to see if this is a craft that they might enjoy.

At the second tier are craftspeople that create their own patterns and render designs using veneers they have chosen themselves. The subject of each is single-minded and limiting. In this they specialize in a genre such as flowers, birds, landscape, people, etc. Specialization is good, but it does not provide for any growth in the technical department. This can be seen in a side-by-side comparison spanning several years from the same individual. The newer object is technically indistinguishable from the older. They have achieved their comfort zone and are in need of nothing else.

The third and advanced class are those that continually apply themselves to all aspects of marquetry and by doing so improve each succeeding project. This is a process that continues throughout their lifetime, always learning and striving for perfection. Design, veneer selection and execution all play a part. The mental approach for these artists is one of discontent with their previous effort. Not many will acknowledge their shortcoming in this respect and that destines them to mediocrity. I have seen marquetry that I felt was extraordinary, but the author was quick to disagree. These are the true winners in this class and often the most successful.

Whatever mode you find yourself in be confident you are contributing to keeping marquetry alive. It is not so much how you are doing it, but that you are doing it at all. We all have our reasons for taking up marquetry. Some are simply inspirational while others are occupational and mundane. Another side to this is to ask ourselves what it is we want to achieve. If you feel stagnate or unmotivated it may be time to reassess your involvement in the craft. The three modes of marquetry can help in this respect by guiding us to the next level.