Paul Garbarini writes:
As part of an exchange program, the American Institute for
Conservation funded about a dozen French craftsmen to share
their experience with their American counterparts. The one
closest to me was hosted by Greg Guenther of Guenther Wood
Group in Savannah, GA. The guest craftsman was marqueteur,
Phillippe Raymond from Haute Poule, France, population 36.
Fred McLean, Belinda McLain and I spent a few hours on
Saturday watching this artisan demonstrate his marquetry
technique - ripping specially selected woods to 2 or 3 cm,
transferring designs with carbon paper, conical cutting (slanted 5
degrees) with a 1mm scroll saw blade. This is a cold description
of what he really does. The technique of conical cutting
eliminates any visible kerf. His artist's eye and patience allow
him to create detail in wood that, from 5 meters away, is nearly
indistinguishable from painting. He spent 1000 hours on a
picture of a dancing lady, 100 of which went into her hair,
maybe one square inch. But it looked like strands of hair! If I'd
had $20,000 with me, she'd be in my house today. Fred
remembered to bring his camera, so I'm hoping he'll post a few.
The exhibit of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers
was at the Telfair Museum and Belinda was kind enough to take
me there. Greg Guenther had built a Six-Shell Newport style
secretary which was in the exhibit. I pronounced it "Best In
Show". Belinda also showed me a frame she built that is on
permanent display in the Jepson Center for contemporary art.
Be proud, fellow Groopsters, to have her in our midst. She's
really, really good. Her studio is amazingly well organized. It's
something I pay close attention to since I'm re-arranging my
own. Her keen business sense is obvious and her dog, Hobbs,
is a charming hound with a great bass voice.
Days away from the shop like that are energizing and don't
come around often enough.
Paul Garbarini
Heirloom Finishes
Charleston, SC
~~~~~
Fred McLean submits some photos:I would like to take the opportunity to tell you about my two new
best friends I met in Savannah from groop. These are really special
folks and have unbelievable knowledge and enthusiasm for out trade.
What a great asset for us to have them as part of us. Groop really
rocks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The pretty one on the left ( not my cousin) Mrs. Belinda McLain ,
The guy with the mega brains is Mr. Paul Garbarini
Our
Host, Greg Gunther, master antique restorer and period
reproduction furniture builder.
his projects. Only the natural color of the woods. Check out the 3
dimensional effects.
wet and temporarily highlight his work as he adds new elements. He is
holding a piece of veneer, trying different angles to achieve the effect he needs.
of the saw table.
quickwood used here.
