Jordi Pladevall Arxé

La Torneria

Woodturner

©Cristina Garrido Crespo

The turner of Torelló

Jordi learned from his father and grandfather
He began his career designing jewellery pieces with wood
Since 2017 he has been in charge of the family workshop

Jordi Pladevall employs the techniques of woodturning and carpentry. Both his father and grandfather were dedicated to the same craftsmanship, so Jordi claims to have the turning in his blood. He likes everything about working with his hands and materialising concepts and ideas. His sources of inspiration are ceramicists, nature and its organic forms. For him, his work consists of creating pieces that his clients can enjoy as unique experiences, he likes his designs to be used on a day-to-day basis. Pladevall considers a job to be well done when a series of basic criteria are met in terms of idea, technique, details and finishes. His hometown is Torelló in Barcelona, a region closely linked to woodturning.

Interview

©Cristina Garrido Crespo

©Cristina Garrido Crespo

What do you like most about your profession?: My work allows me to meet inspiring and interesting people. I like working for myself and the silence of the workshop before starting in the morning. I love the moments when I get so absorbed in the work, for me that is freedom.
What moments bring back fond memories for you?: I put all my effort and energy into updating the workshop in 2017. For me, a memorable moment is every time all the effort, energy and hard work I put in pays off. Selling my first pieces and designs at a craft fair is a special memory.
How do people see your craft?: I often find that people confuse my craft as a woodturner with that of a carpenter. They are two very different trades and are not the same, although we often need each other.
Do tradition and innovation go hand in hand?: When I create an object, I like to incorporate both tradition and innovation. It can be by playing with the design of the shapes, choosing the materials, or adding details and nuances so that each piece has its own meaning.

Jordi Pladevall Arxé is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2015 and he started teaching in 2019