Janez Jankovec

Poezija lesa

Woodworker

©Urh Kokalj

Wood poetry

Janez’s products are made from local wood
He is a self-taught woodworker
He emphasizes the natural beauty of wood

Janez Jankovec is a metal designer by training. His father was a forester, so he developed a respectful attitude towards wood from an early age. Growing up, he was surrounded by the same forest and ecology which instilled in him a love of nature and conscious sustainable values. He is especially interested in unusual pieces of wood, not carpentry wood, which must be flawless. The more crooked it is, the more beautiful he finds it, and the more challenging it is to process. For almost any product, he can tell you where the tree grew, he can estimate the age of the wood, and turn it into a story. His unique wooden products are mainly functional but decorative at the same time. He makes bowls, kitchen boards, furniture, wooden ties and small decorative items.

Interview

©Urh Kokalj

©Urh Kokalj

How is your craft linked to the territory?: Our region is known for its wood industry. There are a lot of carpenters, and enough work for everyone. But I would say that I stand out a little with my thinking and expression. Most people only value commercial wood, which brings financial results; the rest is seen as fuel.
What kind of wood do you process?: I’m mainly interested in fruit trees because this wood has intense colours and scents. Crooked boughs of old apple trees for example. When you start processing such pieces of wood, you release the tensions that have arisen during growth.
What is little known about your work?: One of the challenges is that until you process a piece of wood, you don’t know what it’s like inside. Another challenge is to process it in a way which creates a form that communicates its life story. When I process different pieces, I feel in awe of what nature can create.
What is your advice to an aspiring woodworker?: First of all, a person must feel joy; he must have an appropriate attitude towards material and knowledge. To know how to process it, it’s important to know how to appreciate it. Everything else can be learned; my doors are open.

Janez Jankovec is a rising star: he began his career in 2018 and he started teaching in 2020