Stefan Behr

wood turning is not a crime

Woodturner

©Stefan Behr

A game of tools

Stefan makes his own tools and repairs old machines
He creates bowls, vessels, sculptures and wall pieces
He uses power carving tools to create patterns

When Stefan Behr was playing at the junk pile in his grandfather's backyard it was curiosity that drove him, equipped with tools “I would just tear things apart and take a look inside". This fascination later on led to an apprenticeship as machinist, allowing him to acquire a variety of skills in working with metal. After his apprenticeship he joined the workshop of a cabinet maker before following studies in English and Geography. While studying “I found an old lathe my uncle had bought for my other grandfather, he never used it. 20 years later I did, it was my first machine, and I started to learn woodturning in my parents' garage.” Under the guidance of Heinz Wiedemann and the influence of Lüder Baier, Stefan continued his education and developed his personal style utilising his abilities to build and repair old tools and machines.

Interview

©Stefan Behr

©Stefan Behr

What is the influence of your background in metal working?: I make my own jigs and tools, I am able to repair old vintage machinery that allows me to do what I do. I am fascinated by these old machines and tools, and I love the idea that they have worked for someone before me.
Is your work connected to your region?: I live in a wine growing area and I like to work with oak wood of old wine barrels. It is a challenging but very interesting material to dig your tools in. Also chestnut is a common tree around here. I mainly work with local woods.
What references are in your aesthetic?: Aesthetics of the subculture of music and skateboarding are major influences. A lot of punk rock or rock‘n‘roll covers and music have inspired me. The graphics of skateboard decks had an influence, too.
Is there a guiding principle for your work?: I try to stick to the Bruce Lee approach: "adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.” You can‘t invent a bowl, it has been done countless times, but you can always try to add an element of yourself.

Stefan Behr is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2010