Pieter Maes' Marquetry Project

Pieter Maes

Pieter Maes is a young up-and-coming designer based in Antwerp, Belgium.  Since graduating from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2004, he has been the catalyst for numerous product, architectural, interior and furniture design projects. In 2007, Maes hooked-up with Vincent Van Duysen Architects of Antwerp, Belgium to earn his stripes in the field of furniture design.  Since 2007, Maes has been launching new residential furniture ideas into the world through his design firm, Make Agency.

Brastilo of New York City

Recently Pieter Maes has teamed up with Brastilo of New York City, United States. Brastilo, an internet retailer, showcases a unique collection of contemporary residential furniture and accessories.  Each piece of furniture is handcrafted in Brazil from wood that comes from eco-friendly sustainable forests. This cabinet from the marquetry range uses four different woods with Eucalyptus as the main material. “I was first drawn to Brastilo because of their philosophy of making sustainable products,” states Pieter.  “In addition, this collaboration gives me the opportunity to work with solid wood. This is a medium that allows me to shape the wood in sculptural ways.  I enjoy working with Brazil’s skilled craftsmen and was impressed with their knowledge and respect for wood.”

Brastilo and Pieter Maes to Debut New Contemporary Furniture Collection at ICFF

Serra Cabinet  -  Peter Maes for Brastillo

"Minas Gerais is a state in Brazil that is very mountainous and beautiful.  The inspiration for this cabinet comes from these mountains and how light plays among the ridges.  “Serra” is the word for mountains in Portuguese.  Thus, from the inspiration comes the name of the cabinet."  Pieter Maes

Serra Cabinet

Although Pieter Maes is schooled in European modernism and Bauhaus design, he understands and is inspired by traditional woodworking techniques. He honors these craftsmen by highlighting their skilled work in his contemporary designs. (from Brastillo)

Studio Job's "Industry" marquetry collection

MiArtStudio's present goal is to introduce you to the leading contemporary marquetry and inlay artists

I want to give you a brief profile of each, show a few images from their portfolio and share my enjoyment of their art. I'm moving laterally from artist to artist, not worrying about chronology. I plan to catch up with the present in due course, get into the traffic and start focusing on what's new/next.

I was starting a post on Pieter Maes's marquetry portfolio, but got sidetracked by Justin McGuirk on design about Studio Job's Industry Collection. What to do, stay on mission or jump in with the traffic? As usual, the answer is "both and more..." :-)

'Industry' Table

"Dutch/Belgian design duo Studio Job treat furniture as sculpture, creating a beautiful tale of industry's demise that looks back to the arts and crafts movement." 

(from "Is it design, or is it ... art?" by Justin McGuirk)

'Industry' Screen

"Marquetry is an amazing craft. Studio Job takes the traditional technique and adds some contemporary twists for their “Industry Series,” which will be on display from today at Carpenters Workshop Gallery in London." (from Selectism) 

'Industry' Table

'Industry'

Studio Job has previously exhibited in "Telling Tales" at the Victoria and Albert Museum. “Industry Series” will be on view through May 8, 2010. Carpenters Workshop Gallery is located at 3 Albermarle St, London, W1s. (via Dezeen).