Biography

Maciej Gąsienica Giewont

„My goal has always been to let the nature of the wood speak for itself. I am not trying to control the wood but rather be its most adept listener. Each piece is like a human fingerprint, no two logs are alike. So-called defects are seen as advantages. Knots, cracks, discoloration, and moreover the configuration of the rings all show a history. I am trying to emphasize it, to make it palpable. I use the lathe as a turning tool to discover the most appealing shape that best interacts with the grain and colors. I often leave the rawness of the wood untreated or with a minimal coat to let the color of the wood gets darker through time and use. I share my philosophy with the Japanese aesthetic “wabi-sabi”, revering authenticity above all. My works are made from locally-grown timber. Works are derived from decades-old trees, often obtained from cuttings, sick trees or those intended to be cut down. I treat wood with respect for the material and, through my work, I try to give it new life.”

Maciej Gąsienica Giewont was raised in Zakopane, in a mountaineer family with carpentry traditions. Wood has always played a major role in his life. Growing up in the Tatry mountains, he was exposed to nature and the beauty of trees and timber. He is a trained carpenter and discovered his passion for woodturning in the 90s.

Since 2009, he has worked in his own one-man studio in Warsaw. Classified as fine contemporary craft, Giewont works are often presented at sustainable design exhibitions. You can find his pieces in many private collections throughout Europe, Asia and the USA.

 

Link to essay by Ewa Klekot →