Sand Buchanan

Woodworker

©sandbuchana

©Domestika

©sandbuchana

Elegant furniture

Sand creates bespoke furniture pieces
He saves locally sourced timber, mainly damaged or diseased
His sharp designs celebrate the imperfection of the material

Sand Buchanan is a woodworker who handcrafts bespoke furniture pieces and sculptures in his workshop in South East London. It was a negative episode in his past life which led Sand on the path to making beautiful pieces. A former geoscientist working for the energy industry, one day he decided to leave behind the toxic values of big corporations, which often destroy both the mental health of their employees and the environment, to start something much more meaningful for him. Step by step, learning by doing – but supported by a pure talent for making and a very clear vision about individual responsibility and sustainability – he opened his workshop and started to create pieces celebrating the beauty of imperfection.

Interview

©Domestika

©Domestika

How did you begin woodworking?: I always made things, all sorts of things. I did not have a family tradition in the field nor masters, but after my “big awakening” – the moment I quit working for big corporations to leave behind their toxic culture – I felt the need to express myself, to make something with my hands, in a responsible way.
Are you happy with your life change?: Being a carpenter allows me to act on two axis at the same time. On one hand I take care of my mental health, expressing myself through my craft, on the other hand, I can implement good practices in terms of sustainability, to respect the planet.
What is your approach to sustainability?: I avoid chemicals and I only use locally sourced timber. I try my best to use damaged, broken, diseased pieces, saving beautiful timber from otherwise being chipped, burnt or thrown in a landfill, and I transform them into creations designed to last.
Does the design reflect your approach?: The design evolves from the material itself, as a celebration of its imperfection, which is full of character and beauty. I love the contrast between the imperfection of the material and the clean, sharp lines of my furniture pieces: it’s a contrast which helps make people aware.

Sand Buchanan is a rising star: he began his career in 2018 and he started teaching in 2022