Carved between function and beauty
- Wesley believes the artisanal process adds identity to a piece
- He is inspired by architecture and traditional Japanese aesthetics like wabi-sabi
- In woodwork he has found a channel to convey his passion for creativity
Wesley Sacardi defines himself as a lifelong learner in love with creativity. He is a self-taught furniture maker and sculptor shifting between creating functional and decorative pieces from wood. Wesley established his artistic career in 2016 when he decided to leave his job in advertising, to revive the creative spirit he had fostered as a child and to work with his hands again. He handmakes pieces with wood in various forms, such as naturally pruned, discarded and recycled. His influences range from rationalist architecture to traditional Japanese aesthetics like wabi-sabi, where the acceptance of transience and imperfection is key. Wesley's aesthetics can be described as one of appreciating beauty that is imperfect and incomplete.
Interview
- What led you to choose this profession?
- I have always been passionate about creativity, and working with wood allowed me to explore and express all my ideas in a tangible way. I was looking for a way to work with my hands again.
- How do you combine tradition and innovation in your pieces?
- The traditional is always the basis for any innovation, and without acknowledging it there is no way to innovate. I start the production of a piece thinking about the archetypes and their functionality. Then I enjoy deconstructing the visual pattern of recognised objects to highlight specific tactile qualities like texture.
- What is your creative process?
- I often start creating when I first come into contact with raw material and allow it to intuitively guide my assembly process. Seeing the wood mutate is the most rewarding part of the process. I like to cross-pollinate minimalism with attention to detail.
- Are aesthetics and functionality equally important in your creations?
- I look to create balance and harmony between the different components, to create a piece which is as beautiful as it is useful and relevant. I believe both in function and form.
Wesley Sacardi is a rising star: he began his career in 2016 and he started teaching in 2022
Where
Wesley Sacardi
