Higher Education

Higher Education

The front of this cabinet (door), which is closed, is completely made of naturally colored woods . . . many exotics from all over world, with over 150 separate pieces. This is known as marquetry, made famous in its day by Italian and French artisans beginning around the 1600’s! Many artists were using this whimsical technique known as trompe l’oeil in their paintings.

This piece is on permanent display in the Henderson Fine Arts Center at San Juan College in Farmington, NM.

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I had the chance to visit "Higher Education" recently…I made this in 2010, a commission for The Henderson Gallery at San Juan College. Wanted to show you the magnetic "lock" (a rod magnet within the door) The wooden key has an encased magnet and will attract (lock) or repel (unlock) the door when the key is placed on the keyhole (a marquetry picture of…well, a keyhole) Also, within the door and the edge of the cabinet are more magnets that repel or oppose each other when the door is closed…this springs the door open when the lock is disengaged. The "picture" on the door is made of 125 separate pieces of wood (exotic and domestic) with zero paint, no stain and no dye. This style of marquetry is called trompe l'oeil… which is French for "illusion". Sorry for the long post…and thanks a ton for watching! #marquetry #inlay #nopaint #nostain #nodye #woodworking #woodwork #illusion #trompeloeil #veneer #neodymium #magnets #magnets1001uses #dowoodworking #ramon_valdez_fine_furniture

A post shared by Woodworking & tips by Ramon (@ramonartful) on Mar 5, 2016 at 5:28am PST