Wood Veneer and Art: The Use of Thin Wood Layers in Traditional and Contemporary Craftsmanship

Wood veneer has been a popular material in art and craftsmanship for centuries. Veneers are thin slices of wood that are often used to cover furniture, walls, and floors, but they can also be used in artistic applications.

Traditional Wood Veneer Craftsmanship

The use of wood veneer in craftsmanship dates back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians used veneer to decorate furniture, and it was widely used during the Renaissance period, particularly in Italian furniture. During the 18th century, veneer began to be used extensively in furniture design, particularly in England and France.

One of the most common traditional uses of wood veneer is in marquetry. Marquetry is a decorative technique that involves the use of veneer to create intricate patterns and designs on furniture, walls, and floors. The technique involves cutting small pieces of veneer into various shapes and then fitting them together like a puzzle to create a design. The pieces are then glued onto a substrate, such as a piece of furniture or a panel, to create a decorative surface.

Another traditional use of wood veneer is in parquetry. Parquetry is similar to marquetry, but it involves the use of geometric patterns to create designs. The most common example of parquetry is the herringbone pattern, which is often used in flooring. Traditional craftsmen also used veneer to create veneered boxes, in which an object is encased in a box made of veneer-covered panels. The boxes were often decorated with intricate patterns and designs, making them highly prized decorative objects.

Contemporary Wood Veneer Craftsmanship

Contemporary craftsmen continue to use wood veneer in innovative ways. One example is the use of veneer to create curved forms. Veneer can be steamed and bent into curved shapes, allowing craftsmen to create furniture and other objects with unique shapes and contours.

Another example is the use of veneer as a sculptural material. Artists are using veneer to create three-dimensional forms, which are then finished with a variety of techniques, such as staining, painting, or carving. The result is a highly textured and visually striking work of art. Contemporary craftsmen are also using veneer to create functional objects, such as lamps, bowls, and vases. These objects often feature highly detailed patterns and designs, creating a unique and visually striking piece.

Wood Veneer in Contemporary Art

Wood veneer is also used in contemporary art, with artists using it in a variety of ways to create innovative and thought-provoking works. One artist who uses wood veneer in his work is Martin Puryear. Puryear is known for his large-scale sculptures, which often feature intricate patterns and shapes made from veneer.

Another artist who uses veneer in his work is Richard Woods. Woods creates large-scale installations and sculptures that resemble cartoonish houses and buildings. The structures are covered in brightly colored veneer, creating a surreal and playful effect.

Artist Elisa Strozyk creates wooden textiles from veneer. She combines thin strips of veneer with a textile backing to create pliable, flexible sheets of wood that can be used like fabric. The resulting textiles can be draped, folded, and manipulated in a variety of ways, creating a unique and versatile material.

The use of wood veneer in traditional and contemporary craftsmanship and art is a testament to the material's enduring appeal and versatility. Traditional craftsmen have long used veneer to create intricate patterns and designs, and contemporary craftsmen and artists continue to find new and innovative ways to use this material.

From furniture and decorative objects to large-scale sculptures and installations, wood veneer is a versatile and visually striking material that continues to captivate and inspire craftsmen and artists alike.