PAINTING WITH WOOD

 

Inlaid floors, cupboards, wardrobes, tables and pictures.... The object decorated with wood, created under the influence of the inner aesthetic need of their master, dazzle with their glamour and uniqueness. The objects ornamented with a wealth of marquetry technique are both a respond to the surrounding reality and its reflection. The act of the creation is a mysterious dialog between the creator and the world. Shape, colour and technique combined into some special unity render the spiritual experiences into a physical form. The inlay craft cannot be treated as the art merely for its own sake. It is the outcome of a deeply artistic reaction and in this way can serve people. Even nowadays in the 21^st century when the commercialism and materialism have slipped into our lives, true art still remains out of their reach. It is constantly being reborn anew for the beauty and truth, for the creator and people. It is to fascinate, move and serve the generations. It is to keep evolving…..

Hence, for 45 years in The Marquetry Military Workshop of Ziemia Łódzka the unique works of art have been created. Initiated by the artist Jan Kostwiński marquetry creation is an exceptional form of artistic expression. Resulted from the master’s fondness of the nature, photography and wood craft, this inlay technique has become a branch of creative work which a dozen of people want to learn about each year. In this workshop soldier as well as civilians work hard to fathom the tricks of the brilliant technique of marquetry. Under the guidance of Kostwiński, participants have created the pictures which can be found in the most important institutions in Poland and in the world. We can admire some of them in The Presidential Palace in Warsaw, Centrum Zdrowia Matki Polki in Lodz, and also in Vatican and many centres of the Polish culture abroad.

In 1997 the first volume of the album entitled ‘The Art of Marquetry in the Army’ was issued. It described the history of this ornamental technique and the Lodz workshop of the inlay craft. Thanks to devotion, hard work and fine arts propagators’ support the second volume has been launched on the literary market recently. It is to celebrate the 45^th anniversary of The Military Marquetry Workshop.

 

ABOUT THE ALBUM

 

The marquetry works are created with unique precision and accuracy. Inlaying different kinds of the wooden surfaces into a fascinating picture requires a lot of conscientiousness, delicacy and knowledge. People who want to participate in the Łodz workshop have to realize the fragility and might of the material they are to work on. The beauty of the inlaid objects lies not in the sophisticated form, but in the simplicity of the material they are made of. To create a breathtaking work of art , the artist has to learn about the rules governing the craft. The present album is to familiarize the reader with the technique of marquetry and the most important kinds of wood used in The Łodz Marquetry Workshop. The subsequent parts of the album contain some samples of the inlaid works.

I – pictures of flowers

II – pictures of horses

III – landscapes of Polish countryside

IV – landscapes of Polish mountains

V – pearls of architecture

VI – marine pictures

VII – coats of arms of Polish cities

VIII – pictures depicting different periods of Polish history

XIX – historical characters

X – pictures with military motifs

XI – pictures with elements pertaining hunting

XII –  pictures with sacral elements

XIII - The Polish Mail

XIV – pictures depicting scenes from fairy-tales

XV – furniture and floors

 

THE PROCESS OF CREATION

 

Before the artist gets down to creating an inlaid picture, he has to draw its basic outline. A good draft, characterized by the simplicity and clarity, is a first step to the further work. When it is accepted, the artist puts it on a tracing paper and subsequently on a larger sheet of veneer which serves as a background of the picture. The elements which are to be filled with the different types of wood are cut out from the sheet of veneer. In the empty places the artist, in accordance with the original draft, puts the pieces of appropriate veneer together. When it is completed, the picture is stuck on a thicker wooden plate. Finished inlaid work of art has to dry for a while and then it is polished. Polishing the uneven pieces of wood can be done by hand or by means of the special designated for this purpose machine. However, the artist should not do it too violently otherwise he may damage the whole picture. The last sage of this elaborate process is the preservation of the inlaid masterpiece. To do that the artist can use some colourless varnish or more expensive polyester. Both of these chemical substances preserve the wooden objects and give them brilliant polish and shine. Completed marquetry picture can be used to decorate the interiors of buildings and can serve the artistic needs of the further generations.

 

MYSTERY OF THE COLOUR OF WOOD

 

Wood as a basic material used in everyday life, has also become a great inspiration for the development of fine arts. Moreover, due to its structure it has become a valuable artistic material. Each of the different kinds of trees possesses its own distinctive features dependent on the biological texture and outer, physical factors.

For the needs of the inlaid craft, the most important are these elements which influence the aesthetic image of the created work. That is why the artists pay special attention to the structure, colour and polish of the wood.

Chemical characteristics of the tree influence the section pattern and the whole inlaid picture. Surprisingly, wood with some structural defects stands a greater chance of being used then the one with the proper structure. In addition, its physical features depend on the quality of knots. Despite the difficult technological processing, the high quality of the knots enriches considerably the completed marquetry picture.

One of the most important aspects of wood is its color which depends mainly on the climate zone. In the moderate climate the wood is fair (birch and spruce). Heading towards the south a wider range of shades (oak, ash, plum-tree), the richness and intensity of the colours of subtropical trees (ebony, or violet of amaranth tree) can be observed. 

In Poland we can distinguish the following major colour of the trees:

-white- fir, spruce, hornbeam, beech, aspen, maple, sycamore, alder)

-yellow- birch, barberry, stone pine, box-tree

-trusset- oak, ash, elm

-red- larch, cherry-tree, pine, plump-tree

-green- rabinia

-black- walnut

However, we should remember that the above classification is a sort of generalization. Some types of trees, depending where they grow, may have an enormous range of different shades. For instance, usually trusset oak can turn into red, brown or even sandy. Cut down tree is also influenced by the sun, which also affects the final colour. It is generally known that wood of the tree which has just been cut down is fair. Being warmed up, it changes colour into more intensive. However, when wood is exposed to the sun for a longer time it is too dry and turns grey. Similarly, if wood is stored in the open air too long, it will shrivel up and finally rot. When, it turn, it is exposed to the influence of water, it will darken. This can be exemplified by oak which acquires more intensive and solid colour under the influence of the long-lasting reaction with water. Unfortunately, such processes (long-lasting exposure to water and interaction with funguses) result in an irrevocable change in the colour structure of wood or mould, and make it impossible to work on.

Advanced technology enabled people to dye wood by means of the artificial substances. Depending on the needs and tastes, wood can be covered with varnish, aniline dyes or oil paint. Undoubtedly, the above substances preserve the wood, but at the same they bring out all sorts of the colour and structure defects. Some kinds of wood are naturally dyed with the irregular patterns, which can affect the final aesthetic reception. The more intensive colour of wood is required, the less human interference is needed.

Dyeing of wood differs from the polishing process which is caused by the reflection of the sun rays from its surface. Polished trees do not grow in the natural environment. Some kinds of trees, however, have slight shine, but only under the influence of the technological processing they can become really glossy. Wood is smoothed and covered with varnished or wax. Mahogany, a valuable material in the wood craft, is actually matte. Only after elaborate technological processes are employed, it acquires unique shine and polish. However, not all types of wood may acquire such brilliant polish. The best results can be achieved in case of hard wood whereas the polishing is not so effective with the soft kinds of wood. In case of the conifers, due to their irregular structure the polishing will be long-lasting, monotonous and it will not necessarily produce the desirable effects.

 

VARIETIES OF VENEERS

 

The Military Intarsia Artistry Studio of Ziemia Łódzka utilises  dozens of  various kinds of veneers made of  different trees. Therefore, I deem it necessary to outline the  most important  and the commonly used trees.

ACACIA

A relatively tall  tree with tiny foliage along its twigs. Depending on the species, colours may range from various shades of yellow to nut-brown. Typically it has  clearly marked, thick grain. Resistant to unfavourable atmospheric conditions or fungal diseases. Due to its flexibility often used in households and industry.

BARBERRY

This shrub is mostly grown in gardens but it may also be seen  in the wild, on sandy soil.

Barberry is often used in carpentry and turnery.  Thanks to the yellow colour, it is good for dyeing cotton, silk and different kinds of trees. In contact with potassium, the colour changes into orange. It may become green when affected by sulphuric.

 

BIRCH

A very tall and narrow tree with its hard, resilient and difficult to crack structure. It is best suited material for making furniture (especially   springy and crooked parts) and widely used in turnery. Abnormal formations on the tree  are also frequently used in haberdashery.

BEECH

A tall, thick, perennial tree usually located in the South of Poland. If stored under favourable conditions, ( even temperature, good dryness)  is durable. It can be red or dark brown.  Beech also has a good density, which in itself provides a suitable surface for varnish or furniture polish.

BOXWOOD

 A yellow shrub usually grown  in the South of Europe. Characteristically, it has an irregular structure, and hard wood difficult to crack. Its wood is suitable for making musical instruments and is widely used in weaving industry.

ZEBRINA

There are two kinds of zebrina to be distinguished, the light one with wider-grained, yellow wood and the latter one which  is darker  in colour, of greater density and narrower grain. They provide us with veneers of special visual quality.

CEDAR

A tall, long-lived tree popular in Asia, Africa and South America. Often red or red-tinged  with relatively soft wood, in many cases  insect-repellent because of its aromatic scent.

A very durable wood. Its qualities were already utilised in ancient times for making crates, sarcophaguses or coffers. Nowadays it is predominantly used in decorative arts.

 

CYPRESS

Of two kinds. The first one being known in Europe, is a long-lived, dark-brown and yellow tree. The other one which is popular in America, is one of the greatest and most perennial trees ( 2000 years old, 60 m. tall and 4m. in width). Bright red coloured wood. Due to its lightness, softness, durability and aesthetic reasons it has become a luxury wood, virtually unknown in our country.

OAK

A long-lived, durable and resilient tree. It is light brown in colour but when kept under water  for some time, becomes more ebony- like and  hardens considerably. We can distinguish two major kinds. Popular oak- commonly seen in Poland and the other one with no stalk, typically of the slightly lighter colour. Both of them are used in construction, furniture and carpentry. The bark of the oak contains tannin and gallic acid which are used chiefly in tanning leather.

EUKALIPTUS

Native to Australia contains aromatic scent.  Very durable, gum tree constitutes a good base for processing. Colours may range from grey to nut brown or dark brown.

VIOLALES

Very durable, ornamental tree which is known for its abundant colours, ranging from violet-brown to purple-red. Wood can become green when reacts with ammonia.

HORNBEAM

The toughest of Polish trees, usually light in colour with the wood difficult to transform. Due to its fibrous structure it provides a good material for dyeing, after which the colour switches to ebony. Tough wood is commonly used in agricultural  implements.

 

PEAR

Light yellow in colour  especially when young, later it grows darker until it becomes reddish brown. It can be dyed and as a result may become very much alike ebony. As its wood is  very easily worked it constitutes a suitable material for sculptors.

GUAIACUM

Native to Jamaica, Haiti and The Antilles. The tree is the source of a very hard and durable wood that is brownish green or dark yellow in colour. In the process of heating the obtained resin becomes greenish blue.  The wood is very prone to sun rays and if dried for too long may crack. Widely used in industry.

EBONY

The tree is distinguished by the width of its trunk, its height, hardness and durability. The wood is light and virtually white when young. It darkens gradually until it becomes jet black in colour. The wood, due to its great brittleness  usually caused by dry climate, will need soaking before being processed. Commonly used for making  musical instruments, or in decorative arts.

COMMON JUNIPER

A very heavy wood which doesn’t contain or produce  resin. Native to Europe, usually yellowish red in colour. It switches to bright red if cut down in May. The wood is mostly used for making musical instruments and in mechanical industry.

FIR

One of the most widespread conifers in Poland. Its wood is relatively soft,  light and fragile. One year grain is already well-formed. Usually golden white with very little shine. Widely used for making cheaper furniture.

 

LOGWOOD TREE

The tree is abundant in Haiti, Jamaica, or Western India. Its wood has good hardness and density. It is particularly well known  for its incredible colours ranging from yellowish white to dark red. In chemical reaction with ammonia the wood becomes violet however,  in the lime water or vinegar it turns light blue.   It constitutes a suitable material for dyeing different kinds of timber or cloths.

MAHOGANY

Widely distributed in India, Africa and Central America. Regardless of the climatic conditions, the wood is invariably durable. Due to its reddish brown colour, is widely admired and therefore considered  luxury, used mainly for making elegant and expensive furniture.

MULBERRY

Native to China. In Poland it has been cultivated in gardens. Distinguished by its yellow colour. The wood is valued primarily for its durability and resilience, often used in haberdashery.

COMMON ALDER

Its wood is pale  yellow and soft. It is fine-textured and durable, even under water since it contains large amounts of tannin. The moment it is sawn the wood becomes greenish white, gradually darkens until it turns orange. Alder is useful for furniture and haberdashery.

ALDER

Usually found on moist soils. The wood is soft and reddish brown with  a slight shine.

WALNUT

Extremely tough, durable, springy and resilient wood which can be distinguished by its dark brown and violet colour. Due to its numerous qualities it is widely used in decorative arts and industry.

 

HOLLY

The wood is extremely hard, heavy and fine-grained. Its colour may very from white or greyish to dark brown. The wood is well valued in artistic carpentry and haberdashery.

PALISANDER

Distinguished by its great hardness and delightful colours- ranging from white or red to violet and black. The tree is native to Brazil.  Palisander is frequently used for the manufacture of smaller furniture parts.

SANDALWOOD

Of two kinds. The white one is valued for its strong fragrance. The white sandalwood is used for the manufacture of  some haberdashery products. The latter one is known as the red sandalwood which also provides more durable wood than the white wood and hence used for making furniture. The white and the red sandalwood are both used in perfumes, soaps and folk medicines.

PINE

The wood is usually reddish-brown or yellowish white. While examining a cross-section of its wood, one may notice clearly marked lines of resin thanks to which the wood becomes tolerant of humidity. Pines have relatively soft  and light timber, also appreciated for their resinous scent. The chief value of pines is in the construction and carpentry.

SUMAC

Native to the Mediterranean region. The wood is of considerable density and distinguished by its colour-bright yellow with green stripes. It is used in haberdashery.

TREAK

A deciduous tree has been widely used in India. The wood is brown red in colour, of extraordinary durability which is unaffected by atmospheric conditions. The wood is exceedingly expensive and thus used for making fine furniture.

 

TULIP TREE

Its wood is yellowish brown, relatively soft and does not warp. It provides a suitable material for varnish and furniture polish. It is valued and mainly used for making sculptural products.

Magdalena Leszner

Translated by Justyna Ferenc

Marta Lis