Finishing with a hieroglyph
- Mark’s work is sculptural with an eye to function
- He painstakingly carves hieroglyphs and Morse code onto his pieces
- Forms in nature and inorganic shapes inspire his work
Mark del Guidice specialises in veneering, wood turning and hardwood joinery. In the workshop he opened in 1987, he designs and makes pieces that possess a strong, non-derivative identity. His path as a maker started with the construction of furniture out of necessity. Initially self-taught, as his passion and interest towards the craft grew, Mark pursued professional training, honing his craftsmanship skills and developing his own aesthetic. "I like to carefully select fine woods for my sculptural and colourful furniture pieces," he shares. Mark works on one-of-a-kind pieces and commissions from individuals and institutions, and has been featured in national shows, and exhibitions and publications.
INTERVIEW
I practise sound joinery and tight tolerances, always looking for a new way to express my experience. Additionally, I incise carve unusual shapes in the surfaces of my work, and paint them to give each pieces an identity and a presence in the room.
I am intrigued by how forms can determine and encourage human ingenuity, as well as by nature and its colours. Over the years, I have delved into juxtaposing different types of wood, and exploring how forms can manifest themselves in unexpected and unusual ways.
I like to think of them as my hallmark. It is my unique way of connecting with the viewer. To carve them requires patience, dedication, and attention and are intended to evoke personal interpretations to the viewer. I also occasionally carve Morse code messages.
There are many. Recently I had a solo show of my work at the Fitchburg Art Museum. I am also honoured to have my work exhibited Philadelphia Art Museum, and the Yale University Art Gallery, among others.
