Revealing the inner beauty of trees
- Dušan describes the craft of marquetry as wood surgery
- The veneer texture is a powerful storytelling element
- Love for his craft has led to international recognition
The imagination of Dušan Rakić, an archivist by vocation and later a student of philosophy, was captured in his early childhood by a family friend who introduced him to the craft of marquetry. Mesmerised by the beauty of the inner world of trees, he started his workshop in 2012. Intimate connection to nature through the marquetry technique requires constant focus paired with high concentration while at the same time staying calm and patient. Dušan often refers to his craft as “wood surgery” as the gentleness of the scalpel movement and precision of the cuts are essential. He continues to learn and explore new ways of assembling wood pieces of vibrant texture and colour from a desk at the place of his birth, in Temerin.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
I am constantly challenged to take a step further. It is an incredible feeling for me, very fulfilling and I have an unbreakable connection to nature and it’s beauty. The unique technique through which I can communicate with other people has taken me on the road to distant countries where I was fortunate to meet extraordinarily talented artists and craftsmen.
When people view my work, they often get surprised that it is entirely made out of wood. Sometimes they are in awe of the beauty hidden inside of a tree trunk. When you look into their eyes, you could see that this revelation sparks their sense of wonder.
Well made relates to a feeling that I get once a work is finished. The feeling of putting my emotions into a piece while respecting the complexity and beauty of the material I work in. It also comes from the pleasant feeling my viewers and clients experience while interacting with the pieces.
A moment that stays vivid in my mind is a look of awe and curiosity on a little girl’s face while looking at my work exhibited in my pavilion at Muscat International Festival of Arts, Heritage and Creativity in the Sultanate of Oman in 2014.
