Bastien Chevalier

Wood marquetry maker

Nicolò Zanatta ©Michelangelo Foundation

A true radical in a traditional craft

Bastien loves the creative process and technical challenges of his craft
In 2006 he received the Wallpaper Design Award for Best Oddity
He believes he was always intended to be a marquetry artisan

Bastien Chevalier studied cabinetry for four years. Looking for a job, he knocked at the door of a cabinetry workshop in Sainte-Croix, where he found Jérome Boutteçon, Meilleur Ouvrier de France in wood marquetry. Although he had never had an apprentice, Boutteçon took Chevalier under his wing and for five years taught him everything about the fine craft of marquetry. Chevalier was born in the era of graffiti, a world that deeply inspires him. His very contemporary style departs radically from the traditional imagery usually associated with marquetry. The recognition of his work through international awards and exhibitions in salons and art galleries is growing day by day.

Interview

Why did you choose to work in wood marquetry?: First of all, because I love wood! Each piece is simply unique. I also wanted to try to be a pioneer, and leave a mark in a profession that is unfortunately very little known in the world of art.
What are your specialisations?: My technique and skills are directed more and more towards micro-marquetry thanks to my collaborations with watchmakers, for whom for the past six years I have been creating wood marquetry single-piece dials.
How would you define your style?: Without pretention, I identify with artists such Jackson Pollock, Jean-Michel Basquiat and contemporary graffiti artist JonOne. I believe they have managed to take their artistic vision very far, without ever betraying themselves.
How much tradition is in your work?: There is a great deal of tradition, because the technique I use is more than 200 years old. At the same time, I innovate with my explorations into the world of micro-marquetry and with my avant-garde style.

Bastien Chevalier is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1999