Alexander Curtius

Caccia, Aggeo & Panniello, Claudia

Furniture maker

Teaching wood sculpting with nature in mind

Alexander is a wood sculptor and furniture designer
He offers workshops for all levels of students
Sourcing local wood is an important part of his approach

Alexander Curtius is a craftsman, designer and teacher. Teaching has always been a keen interest of his and was his first career, before he turned to craftsmanship. As a designer, Alexander strives to create organic, nature-like pieces that reflect the beauty of natural shapes. He also aims to make objects that are comfortable, aesthetically considered and durable. Alexander wishes to help people reach their ambitions with knowledge, whatever their skills and goals may be. "All that you need is motivation," he says. His workshops cover basic chainsawing and many techniques and skills in wood sculpting. Living in the region of Engadine, the wood that Alexander uses is sourced in nearby forests, which is also where he finds inspiration.

Interview

©maykwendt

Are you more teacher or craftsman?: Both! I used to teach in a school before starting my own craft business, but it is a part of me that never left. I want to teach people things that are useful to them, that help them thrive and feel connected to what they do and how they do it.
What inspires your design work?: Nature as a whole, and the forest. Its physical aspects fascinate me, the shape of mountains or how water swirls…Cubic forms are a big part of design, but you would never see them in nature. I strive towards comfortable and organic furniture for lively people.
What is your project 'Second life of a tree' all about?: I was sawing in the forest when a man came up to me and asked if I could help him cut down a tree he had to get rid of. We ended up making seven sculptures out of it. Having to get rid of a tree does not have to be useless, you can keep it in the form of objects.
Can you share a memorable moment of your professional life?: I once broke my leg and had to stay still for six weeks. I was lying down and could do nothing except draw and think of new projects. In that time, I was able to develop new working methods and new models of furniture. The body had to stop, but my mind kept going.

Alexander Curtius is a master artisan: he began his career in 1990 and he started teaching in 1990