Ward Wijnant explores the materiality of Timber through the ‘Blend’ Collection

Timber is a durable and adaptable material employed in furniture design. It is a preferred option for both craftsmen and designers owing to its natural warmth, aesthetic appeal, and wide variety of species. The natural grain patterns, colours, and textures of timber give each piece individuality and ensure that it has a timeless appeal that fits in with both traditional and contemporary styles. Inspired by the materiality of timber, Dutch designer and woodworker Ward Wijnant, has crafted experimental furniture designs that are motivated by a conceptual thought and carpentry experience. Wijnant's work exhibits attention to detail, an elevated standard of finish, and a historical awareness of artisanal skill. “I love to work with wood and know this material in the meantime quite well. The different textures, created by sawing in certain ways, inspired me. In only one tree there are plenty of possibilities to highlight the woodgrains. I wanted to show these interesting patterns and structures,” shares Wijnant. The furniture designer perceives it as his responsibility to transform a variety of old techniques and resources into present-day designs. His fascination with timber and craftsmanship brought to fruition the Blend Collection, comprising wooden furniture and lighting designs.

The idea that wood from a single tree can be used to create a variety of designs and constructions served as the base inspiration for Wijnant's Blend Collection. He built his project around the idea of emphasising woodgrains to visualise the effects of various sawing methods. He cuts the wood using a quarter-sawing technique, which produces stripes where a plain-sawing approach would produce flames. “The pattern of Blend consists of inlay work. Different woodgrains are cut and put back in different places. Inlay work is a very precise and accurate process. In addition to this difficulty level, some works have 500+ different pieces I need to assemble,” shares The Netherlands-based designer on the process behind the collection. Blend is a collection of wood furniture that combines quarter-sawn and plain-sawn wood, creating a distinct surface pattern and tactility. Wijnant further modifies the grain and inlay work, creating a unique texture. A storage cabinet and two sculptural lamps make up the three-piece collection, which is finished in vibrant colour stains of deep blue, aqua, and red. The colour highlights the timber's finite ridged structure while enhancing the geometric, patchwork-like effect of Wijnant's sawing techniques. Although all the pieces came from the same tree, each piece has an innovative design and unique look.

The Blend Collection offers a distinct perspective on the art of woodworking by examining how materials and their processing techniques influence the finished product design. Wijnant challenges the image of traditional woodworking and gives the age-old craft new life by fusing the organic qualities of wood with vibrant colours and modern design. The collection serves as a reminder of the significant influence that sustainability and a deep reverence for traditional artisan techniques can have on contemporary design. The artistry of Ward Wijnant is a striking illustration of the countless opportunities that result from the blending of time-honoured practises and contemporary ingenuity.

Text by Ria Jha