Ancient Craft, Modern Revival - Marquetry with Chelsea Vivash
"It's taking something traditional and putting a bit of a modern twist on it"
Layering off-cuts of wood veneer, of various colours and interesting shapes, Chelsea Vivash creates one-of-a-kind works using the ancient technique of marquetry.
The origins of wood marquetry can be traced all the way back to ancient Eqyptian and Roman civilizations where wood, stones, metals and other materials were used in inlayed decoration. The wood veneer inlaying technique which Chelsea uses is more closely related to the European Renaissance - examples of intricate marquetry designs can be found all across 17th and 18th century pieces of furniture.
Beginning from everyday inspirations, she's able to take this historic practice and transform it into pieces of art made for contemporary homes.
"I'm inspired by normal things really, everything around you. From the cup you drink your coffee from, things you see outside in nature..."
Chelsea’s work bridges past and present, turning functional objects like mirrors and decorative art pieces into expressions of an ancient craft.
