Carl Fox

Woodworker

©Paul Read

©Carl Fox

Abstract marquetry art for emotions

Carl is a marquetry artist working with leather and wood
His works are inspired by 20th-century design
He combines heritage craft skills and contemporary know-how

Marquetry is personal for Carl Fox. The self-taught British artisan stepped into the world of leatherwork in 2020 and set up his own studio in 2022 to fully embrace the craft. His way is that of passion and determination. Inspired by Mondrian, the De Stijl movement, the architecture of Lloyd Wright, and Niemeyer, Carl is able to create a recognisable marquetry art that has character and emotional meaning. The distinct feature of Carl's creations is using elements of pareidolia, colour psychology, and biophilic design to enhance each work and make thought-provoking pieces. His degree in psychology helps him to craft marquetry art that engages each person differently. By blending traditional materials and techniques with modern approaches, Carl is driving this niche craft forward.

Interview

©Paul Read

©Paul Read

What are your sources of inspiration?: I tend to draw inspiration from the vast history of decorative surface design. I am fascinated with both modernist and classical styles, and thrive when combining precise geometric forms with traditional, botanical figurative elements. I feel that this mixture of opposing styles creates the most beautiful, thought-provoking, tactile pieces.
What was a turning point in your career?: There have been two very significant turning points. The first was when I decided to leave a 26-year career in hairdressing to follow my passion and dream of becoming an artist and craftsman. The second is undoubtedly being awarded the Worshipful Carpenters scholarship through the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. This scholarship allowed me to explore a variety of skills with masters and propelled my practice to a totally new level.
What life lesson have you learned thanks to your craft?: Patience, without doubt, and perseverance. Marquetry is a slow, sustained dance between myself and the elements. Each piece of wood or roll of leather has its own personality. My speed of work had to slow down to a pace that allows the materials to breathe with me. Coming from a frantic work background in central London, slowness was an incredible lesson to learn.
Do you feel a duty to perpetuate tradition?: As craftspeople we have a responsibility not only to perpetuate tradition, but to create new traditions for the next generations of craftspeople. Our duty is to keep craft relevant to upcoming generations of technologically-minded individuals. I believe its a huge turning point, and we need to ensure that hand skills are not forgotten, but forged into new ways of working alongside advances in technology.

Carl Fox is a rising star: he began his career in 2020