Aitor Martínez

Gulisashvili, Ia

Woodturner

©Fuco Reyes

When wet wood dries

Aitor works with green woods that have a high level of moisture
Oak is one of his favourite types of wood
He was commissioned by Madrid’s Thyssen Museum to make objects for the museum shop

A whimsical character at heart, Aitor Martínez is all about passion and resurgence. He defines innovation as an attitude, “a decision to turn your life around at 50 to pursue a passion wholeheartedly is just crazy in and of itself.” He interprets this as his major breakthrough. Aitor, son of a metalworking turner, knew that the joy which handcraft and wood brought to him would be unattainable behind a lawyer’s desk. He left his career to start working at carpentry workshops to learn techniques and study woods. After years of working in construction, furniture and naval carpentry, Aitor created his own brand of wooden toys. It was in wood turning, however, that he found his true Galician identity through apprenticeship experience with Yann Marot at École Escoulen in Aiguines, France.

Interview

©Fuco Reyes

©Fuco Reyes

How has turning green woods made a difference to you?: Working with local, certified living wood has made all the difference. It is a co-creative process with the material and there is a sense of play and awe in doing so. It is like opening a box without knowing what will be found inside. The wood always has the last word in a creation. It may take up to three months for the wood to dry and finally reveal itself as a finished product.
What do you feel most passionate about in your work?: Creating hollowed pieces on the lathe is my greatest passion. I owe this to Yann Marot, whom I greatly admire. In his workshop I learned that my arms are powerful tools led by intuition, to carefully carve out tender green wood. In the process of hollowing, you leave a part of yourself. These hollowed vases require careful work and treatment.
Can you recall a memorable story in your woodturning career?: I have come to understand the power of transformation and connection that my work has. My French neighbour returned from a holiday in France with a plum tree trunk that had been planted by his father. It was supposed to be a gift for me to work with, but I returned it as a hollowed vase, which brought tears to my friend's eyes. In the end, his gesture led to an unexpected tribute to the memory of his father.
What is next in your creative journey?: I want to delve deeper into volumes, forms and textures, while also exploring the diverse potential of green woods.

Aitor Martínez is a rising star: he began his career in 2018