The furniture I create is characterized by simplicity and modesty, drawing inspiration from its organic shapes from antiquity and the Middle Ages. Each furniture element is meticulously crafted with care and reverence. Before a piece is formed, I carefully examine each piece of wood, almost listening until it tells me in what form it would like to endure for decades to come. Though made from hardwood, thanks to my techniques, the furniture becomes soft and very comfortable. Each of my pieces receives a name, giving it a new identity and personality.
The furniture I make perfectly fits into the latest trend based on the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, where "wabi" signifies an appreciation for simplicity, and "sabi" represents the beauty of natural aging. It promotes minimalist yet very personal interiors. It is also closely related to the mindfulness movement, encouraging mindfulness practices and attachment only to important things. In a home decorated in the wabi-sabi style, you will regain peace, rid yourself of stress, and find it easier to appreciate the small pleasures of everyday life.
For my work, I almost exclusively use recycled wood, which is imperfect and unique. I do not use screws, bolts, or nails; instead, I connect individual elements using traditional techniques. To treat the furniture, I use wax, shellac, or oil, and I often utilize the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban method.
This method involves the controlled burning of the outer layer of soft wood tissues, especially those susceptible to moisture, mold, and wood-eating pests. It has been known in Japan since the 17th century, following the great fire in Edo (today's Tokyo), which consumed nearly 70% of the city and the lives of about 100,000 people. It was then observed that houses that had previously been exposed to fires and were extinguished survived because the fire did not find fuel on the previously charred wood. The conclusions drawn at that time were clear – charred wood becomes fire-resistant. Wood treated with this technique becomes more resistant to pests, weather conditions, as well as fire and water. However, the greatest advantage of Shou Sugi Ban is its artistic value. Only after burning the outer layer of cellulose does the wood reveal the beauty of its texture to us. The unburned growth rings then create unique lines that can be read like maps, revealing the age of the tree or the conditions in which it once grew.
Thanks to the Shou Sugi Ban method, the artistry and beauty of nature can be admired even by those who have lost their sight.
