Dušan Rakić

Wood marquetry maker

©Dušan Rakić

Revealing the inner beauty of trees

Dušan describes the craft of marquetry as wood surgery
The veneer texture is a powerful storytelling element
Love for his craft has led to international recognition

The imagination of Dušan Rakić, an archivist by vocation and later a student of philosophy, was captured in his early childhood by a family friend who introduced him to the craft of marquetry. Mesmerised by the beauty of the inner world of trees, he started his workshop in 2012. Intimate connection to nature through the marquetry technique requires constant focus paired with high concentration while at the same time staying calm and patient. Dušan often refers to his craft as “wood surgery” as the gentleness of the scalpel movement and precision of the cuts are essential. He continues to learn and explore new ways of assembling wood pieces of vibrant texture and colour from a desk at the place of his birth, in Temerin.

Interview

©Dušan Rakić

©Dušan Rakić

What do you love most about your profession?: I am constantly challenged to take a step further. It is an incredible feeling for me, very fulfilling and I have an unbreakable connection to nature and it’s beauty. The unique technique through which I can communicate with other people has taken me on the road to distant countries where I was fortunate to meet extraordinarily talented artists and craftsmen.
One thing about your work that people don’t normally know?: When people view my work, they often get surprised that it is entirely made out of wood. Sometimes they are in awe of the beauty hidden inside of a tree trunk. When you look into their eyes, you could see that this revelation sparks their sense of wonder.
What does well made mean to you?: Well made relates to a feeling that I get once a work is finished. The feeling of putting my emotions into a piece while respecting the complexity and beauty of the material I work in. It also comes from the pleasant feeling my viewers and clients experience while interacting with the pieces.
Can you tell us a memorable moment in your professional life?: A moment that stays vivid in my mind is a look of awe and curiosity on a little girl’s face while looking at my work exhibited in my pavilion at Muscat International Festival of Arts, Heritage and Creativity in the Sultanate of Oman in 2014.

Dušan Rakić is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2012