Vasko Sotirov

Cabinetmaker

©Vasko Sotirov

A second life in secret compartments

Vasko transforms the best wood pieces into emotional objects
Former chef and portrait photographer, he is inspired by people
He is detail-oriented and always evolving

Born in Bulgaria and raised in Italy, Vasko Sotirov used to work as a chef in a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant until he decided to leave the kitchen behind. Painstakingly self-critical and extremely detail-oriented, Vasko prefers to work on small scale objects, in order to express his perfectionism with the highest possible density. He puts a strong emphasis on quality and technique. His rigorous artistic research is deeply rooted in his interest in human beings. Vasko's wooden creations are intended to arouse emotions, in the same way that a refined culinary creation does.

Interview

©Vasko Sotirov

©Vasko Sotirov

What do a chef and a cabinet maker have in common?: They share the same passion for transforming raw materials into something radically different, have the talent to see a potential in this transformation, and the ability to do it flawlessly. But the key aspect is creating something special and personal for someone else, in order to arouse an emotion.
What are the key ingredients of your creations?: In terms of materials, I only work with the best quarter sawn wood, aesthetically impeccable and more stable, and my key ingredient is the idea. Wood must serve the idea, not vice versa.
Where do you find your inspiration?: I only work on commission and my clients know that I am not just a maker of functional objects: they rely on my artistic approach and I try to interpret their personality, in order to create objects that are appealing to them.
If you create for yourself, what does excite you?: I like secrets, multilayers, hidden compartments and mechanisms. I am also fascinated by mechanised pieces and I would like to have more spare time to investigate this aspect in the future.

Vasko Sotirov is a rising star: he began his career in 2019 and he started teaching in 2021