Scaled carvings and a love of craft
- Helder carves decorative boards and skateboards out of single wooden blocks
- He works with certified woods at his studio in Barcelona
- The simple lines of his designs are favourites in museum shops in Spain and Europe
Portuguese-born multidisciplinary artist Helder Espada learned the technicalities of sculpture and woodcarving at Escola Profissional do Montijo in 2002. He founded his studio in Barcelona in 2016 with his wife, Daniela Monteiro, who is also a maker. Helder hand carves serving boards, candleholders and in recent years has also developed a specialism in carving skateboards. What originated as a hobby has slowly grown into a practice centred on the making of collector’s design pieces. "My objects are often inspired by prior designs, whether my own or paintings by artists," he explains. Helder's work has also developed in complement to his wife's work. "The wooden dustpan is a combination of my woodcarving and Daniela's broom making. It is now one of our star items at the Vitra Design Museum shop," he says.
Interview
- How did the idea of the wooden skateboard originate?
- I designed and built my first skateboard from the spare solid wood left over from turning a van into a camper. It was something completely spontaneous: I had a strong desire to build with my own hands a board I could skate on. Beyond the feeling of freedom and adrenaline rush it produces, skating represents a statement of self-reliance, independence and respect for nature.
- What inspired your candleholder design?
- The candleholder is closely tied to another piece made in my workshop – the dustpan, created to complement my partner Daniela’s hand-held brooms. The candleholder began as a way to use leftover wood from the dustpans and to hold our own candles. Inspired by Barcelona’s Three Chimneys, it evolved into its current form.
- Could you describe the pattern in your designs?
- Andor’s signature design is the fish-scale pattern, inspired by my connection to the Atlantic ocean. It initially served not only as a decorative element, but as a functional part of the design. The carving simulates the grip effect of sandpaper in common skateboards which provides traction. Andor’s skateboard is crafted entirely from a solid piece of wood with no added materials.
- What lies ahead for your wooden creations?
- Though I value the functionality of handcrafted objects, I would like to explore a more artistic expression. The process of creation is what I enjoy most and I am currently experimenting with large-format pieces and combining different types of wood. Sometimes the creative process is very long and production happens quickly, and other times it is the reverse.
Helder Espada is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2016
Where
Helder Espada
