Martin Ruíz de la Prada

A delicate touch

• Martin is a self taught woodworker
• He uses European noble woods to handcraft his pieces
• His pieces combine craftsmanship with timeless design

Martín Ruiz de la Prada was not born an artisan, he became one. An economist, currently employed as an airline pilot, he was introduced to wood turning by sculptor Toni Porto. Since then he regards himself as self taught throughout the years, designing and making objects for daily use and furniture. In 2016 he opened his workshop in Madrid, where he works on his own, designing, making tests and prototypes with different kinds of wood and materials he incorporates, such as the alabaster he employs for lamps. He likes challenges and favours turning wood thinly, at a thickness of 3 to 4 mm, difficult to achieve without scratching or breaking the material. His shapes are linear, combining traditional craftsmanship with timeless design.

Interview

©All rights reserved

©All rights reserved

Why did you choose to devote yourself to this craft?

Woodturning is a beautiful discipline, through basic tools you are able to transform a piece of wood into something useful. It requires concentration, a delicate touch and precision in execution; when I am in the workshop time is suspended, the same feeling others experience during a yoga session.

What does a day in the workshop look like?

I am also an airline pilot so I have to juggle my schedule. This is why I go to the workshop having a clear idea in mind, I start by selecting the wood, preparing it and defining the size of the piece, turning and shaping it. The final sanding requires attention and care, to give wood a smooth and matt effect, enhancing woods’ natural beauty.

What goes on behind the scenes?

I would like the public to know that behind what may look simple and easy, there are endless hours spent in the workshop testing different materials, shapes and experimenting techniques, to achieve pieces with an aesthetic identity which will endure the test of time.

What advice would you give an aspiring woodworker?

To be willing to listen and learn something every day, without being afraid to innovate and always respect those who paved the way. Appreciate the opportunity to express creativity thanks to manual skills which machinery will never be able to replace.

Martin Ruíz de la Prada is an expert artisan he began his career in 2014

Works

©Siete Formas

©Siete Formas

©Siete Formas

©Siete Formas

Where