Tomás Viana

Cabinetmaker

©Tomaz Viana

Championing Portuguese cabinetmaking

Tomás crafts innovative furniture entirely out of wood
He learned woodwork in a recognised Portuguese institution
He designs with elegance and solid technical skills

Tomás Viana was studying painting when he courageously accepted that this was not his path. Interested in wood, he first imagined becoming a restorer but decided instead to learn cabinetmaking, at the renowned Fundação Ricardo Espirito Santo Silva, after reading the book '21st Century Design' by Betty Norbury. "For three years, I learned woodcarving and 18th-century cabinetmaking construction techniques with the Foundation’s incredibly skilled masters while acquiring hands-on restoration experience at a friend’s workshop.” Today, Tomás uses modern machines and traditional hand tools to make his original pieces. He attributes his inventive spirit to his grandfather, a chemical engineer who showed his grandson the importance of experimenting to find new solutions.

Interview

©Tomaz Viana

©Tomaz Viana

Is it important to have studied woodwork in a recognised institution?: Yes, I am convinced it is, as FRESS is not only a reference in Portugal but also abroad. I believe we need to first learn and master traditional cabinetmaking and wood carving techniques to be able to imagine new ways of making.
When did you realise that painting was not for you?: I had left high school and was studying painting while working in restaurants. I didn’t feel fulfilled and decided to learn the art of woodwork, perhaps influenced by spending months as a young boy in small villages surrounded by nature.
Would you say your work linked to territory?: My techniques may not only be Portuguese but I chose a course given by Portuguese masters at a recognised local institution with a strong tradition in cabinetmaking and wood carving. I also try to source my wood from local fallen or cut trees for my pieces.
Do you envision transmitting your skills?: It is important to share and transmit knowhow. I have been able to informally help a few fellow artisans. At the moment I am focusing on developing my work but I certainly envisage welcoming apprentices in the future.

Tomás Viana is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2001