Puzzle paintings
- Pierre-Henri first studied cabinetmaking
- His craft gives him balance in his life
- He was named "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" in 2015
Pierre-Henri discovered marquetry while studying cabinetmaking at the École Boulle in Paris. The craft was a true revelation for one that describes himself as "rather impatient": he discovered infinite patience working with meticulousness and precision for hours on end. After working for a few years in France, Italy, and the Réunion Island, Pierre-Henri ran the marquetry workshop of the École Boulle from 2011 to 2016. Whilst keeping his own atelier and teaching the younger generation, an activity he describes as highly enjoyable and very important to him, the craftsman was awarded the prestigious title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” in 2015. Today, he mixes woodwork with other materials such as mother of pearl, parchment, horn and gilding.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
It is two dimensional, so people don’t understand that it is carved. I make puzzles, I cut out pieces, put them together and create patterns. That is abstract to some, since it looks like a painting. In the 17th century, marquetry was actually called wood painting.
I choose it according to its texture, its colour, its shape, and I assemble my landscapes by juxtaposing them. I work on the shapes and natural contours of the pieces I recover. I keep the natural colour of the wood.
I use traditional techniques but I also learned everything digital. It's very important as a teacher to keep up, so I decided to train myself in these new techniques. You either follow or you stay on the side-lines.
There is such an importance in the wood and the texture that it can take a long time to carve the first line. But when you find it, it's incredible. It's the missing piece, and everything falls into place.
Pierre-Henri Beyssac
Wood marquetry maker
Saint-Thomas-en-Royans, France
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+33 649634735
LANGUAGES
French, Italian
