Seamless boxes beyond storage
- Jonathon is constantly hunting for unique British hardwoods to make his works
- He extends surfaces with resin and carbon fibre
- His practice allows him to explore his creativity without excess consumption
Jonathon Vaiksaar's box making process begins long before he enters the workshop. It starts on the road, when he is driving across Britain to sawmills and tree surgeons, in search of hardwoods that others might overlook. "I was raised in a family of makers, so I grew up with the confidence that almost anything can be made by hand. I learned patience, respect for materials and the value of making rather than consuming," he explains. After years in a corporate career, Jonathon turned towards woodworking, and chose box making to explore craftsmanship, creativity and beauty on a smaller scale. Jonathon carefully studies each piece of wood, and lets its grain and flaws guide his pieces, which he extends with resin and carbon fibre. "A box is not just storage. It holds what we choose to protect and care for," he explains.
Interview
- What is a memorable moment from your career?
- Early in my career, at one of my first exhibitions, a gentleman approached me and suggested I bring him any unsold boxes after the show. He carefully examined each piece, offered constructive feedback and bought them all. That experience not only validated my work but also inspired me to keep improving and striving for excellence.
- How does box making compare to woodwork?
- Box makers use the same techniques as furniture makers, including planning, joining and finishing. However, we work on a much smaller scale, with small tools and less timber, which makes storage is simpler. We can focus on delicate details and intricate designs without the resources that larger projects demand.
- What is important when designing a box?
- Proportion and scale are essential. Even though a box is small, it must feel balanced and functional. Every angle, joint and surface is carefully considered to create harmony in miniature forms. The challenge is making something small feel purposeful and beautiful at the same time.
- How do you use carbon fibre and resin in your work?
- Carbon fibre and resin allow me to extend particularly beautiful pieces of wood from my collection. By combining them, I can create larger surfaces or seamless panels that would otherwise be impossible. Usually, I start with a mould to shape and support the materials before integrating them into the box.
Jonathon Vaiksaar is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2015
Where
Jonathon Vaiksaar
