Fredy Koll

Kolldesign

Woodturner

©Ingrid Frisch

Moving with the times

Fredy grew up around woodworking
Fredy focuses on upcycling and combining wood, glass and other recyclable materials
Woodturning is his second career

Fredy Koll has a philosophical approach to life: he sees himself as upholder of a craft that strips time away from today’s fast pace. Sustainability considerations have become more vital in recent times and it was natural for Fredy to start upcycling and mixing his woodwork with glass and other recyclable materials. To create new vessels, for example, he cuts empty wine bottles, grinds and polishes the rim, and adds a turned wooden lid and handles. Fredy found his passion for woodwork alongside his father, a cabinetmaker. As a child, Fredy often joined him in his workshop. However, he honed his skills as a woodturner by attending courses with master woodturners. Leaving a career in IT behind, Fredy’s hobby eventually turned into a career and his dream of running a small but excellent woodturning workshop came true.

Interview

©Ingrid Frisch

©Ingrid Frisch

What was the first object you made?: My first piece was an untreated plate of beech wood. You can still admire it in my workshop. Even though it was not perfect, this first object made me want to make more.
Is there a regional connection to your craft?: I work a lot with Styrian wood, for example with Admonter sycamore maple. With over 60% of forested area, Styria is Austria's most densely forested federal state.
Will your craft survive technological advances?: People love making things with their hands, creating beautiful objects, and enjoying them. The arts and crafts will endure as long as people appreciate individual, handmade works.
What is your advice for people dreaming of becoming an artisan?: Bring real love for the craft and the materials you choose to work with. You will need a lot of patience and perseverance, especially when your first designs and handmade pieces blow up around you.

Fredy Koll is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2014