London

Matthias Bachofen

Atelier del Legno

Woodturner | Cadempino, Switzerland

The daily enjoyment behind elaborate craftsmanship

Matthias makes wooden vessels and sculptures
His time is split between creating and teaching at the woodturning school he founded
He uses many techniques to finish his sculptures, including lacquering

While he always liked the idea of woodturning, it was at the age of 20, after a first course of studies in another field, that Matthias Bachofen decided to train in his dream craft. "I fondly recall the moment when I opened my own workshop. It is a cherished memory that makes all the difficulties of being a professional craftsperson worthwhile," he says. Matthias is moved by the smell of wood upon entering his workshop, the pleasure of mixing moments of teaching with moments of solitary creativity. "I have found a balance between the different aspects that compose my life as a woodturner," he explains. In 2011, he opened a woodturning school in Ticino, offering many classes and demonstrations in German, Italian and English.

Interview

What sort of woodturning do you do?: I am what you could call an all-round woodturner. This includes less widespread techniques like the use of the skew, back hollowing and the hook tool. I am well known for my finishing technique, my coloured pieces and for end grain hollowing.
Do you centre more on traditional or innovative techniques?: I use traditional tools such as the hook to create contemporary shapes, but also modern tools that did not exist back when I started. My finishes are usually made with ancient techniques to enhance the grain of the wood, a great way to bring out the best of what wood can offer.
What do you love about your craft?: The community of woodturners is international, so I get to meet turners from around the world which is amazing. I also really enjoy carrying out demonstrations in front of a crowd of people. In addition, I love trying out new techniques until I master them!
Do you have any advice for those who enjoy woodturning?: It is hard to make a living from woodturning, so I would advise to start part-time. Take the time to practise, again and again the same movements until you master them. Although the profession is somewhat in danger, it is very much en vogue as a hobby, which I am delighted about.

Matthias Bachofen is a master artisan: he began his career in 1984 and he started teaching in 2010