This beautiful book serves as a stunning introduction to people interested in using marquetry, also called painting with wood veneers, to recreate Pacific Northwest Coast Native Indian art style designs.
Those who know of this art form may be interested in re-creating their designs using wood veneers. Readers will learn about the skills and techniques of marquetry using the “window method” and cutting wood veneers with a knife. Pacific Northwest Coast Native Art in Marquetry demonstrates how marquetry (whether using the saw or knife for cutting veneers) can be adaptable to any subject in addition to Pacific Northwest Coast Native art. Cutting exercises are included, as well as step-by-step instructions to complete the Blue Hummingbird picture in the Nuu-chah-nulth nation’s style. Also included are four other Northwest Coast Native art Designs by Jim Gilbert and directions about how to reproduce them in marquetry.
Reviews
“Paul Dean did a very good job in his book, Pacific Northwest Coast Native Art in Marquetry. The book has clear instructions on how to use First Nations designs to do this kind of art. It is really great that artists are willing to reach out and are willing to use other mediums to express First Nations art." - Rupert Scow, Kwakwaka’wakw artist/carver, Gilford Island B.C., Canada.
“As a retired Woodwork Teacher, I find that the step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. Background information is just enough and not overbearing. A practical guide which I highly recommend for the woodworking enthusiast with a First Nations focus." - Bill Ng, Delta B.C., Canada
“This is a splendid and quite unique book. Beginning with insight into NWC native art and leading on to how it can be adapted into marquetry, everything is clearly and logically laid out with excellent accompanying illustrations and photographs. Full of marquetry tips and techniques that all make sense. The projects are pitched just right. Not too simplistic and challenging enough to entice any reader to give it a try for themselves. I commend Paul for producing an excellent piece of work and such fine marquetry." -Peter White – President of The Marquetry Society (UK).
Table of Contents
Contents
Dedication and Acknowledgments
Map: Culture & Art Regions of the Pacific Northwest Coast
Introduction
Northwest Coast Native Art and Marquetry
Northwest Coast Native Art Concepts
Components
Semi-realistic Designs
Open Field Designs
Restricted Field Designs
Extended Designs
Rearranged Designs
History of Marquetry
Summary
Sofa Hall Table
Picture and Frame Design
Marking up the Base Board
Choosing the Background Veneer
Transferring the Initial Outline of Pattern
Designing a Frame
Summary
Pattern for Nuu-chah-nulth Blue Hummingbird
Veneer Palette Selection
Different Veneers from a Tree
Slicing Techniques
Rotary Cut
Quarter Cut
Flat Cut (Crown Grain
Rift Cut
Selecting Veneers for the Hummingbird
Summary
Dyed Veneers
Natural Veneers
Exotic Veneers
Cutting Veneers and Assembly
Tools and Materials
Basic tools for marquetry
Materials to make the Blue Hummingbird picture
Making a Rubbing Stick
The Window Method
The advantages of the window method
Cutting Veneers with a Knife
Types of Cuts
Perforation cut with craft knife
Stitch cuts with the craft knife
Short cuts with the craft knife
Long straight cuts with the scalpel
Cut slivers with scalpel (long cuts) or craft knife (short cuts)
Keeping the Blades Sharp
Formline Designs in Marquetry
Practice Cutting Veneers with the Window Method
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
The Blue Hummingbird
Cutting and Assembly
First level
Second Level
Third Level
Summary
Frame Cutting and Assembly
Tools and Materials
Set-up Blocks
Cut Strips of Veneer
Assemble Four Frame Pieces
Summary
Preparation of Base
Introduction
Adhesives
- Contact Cement
- PVA Glue
The Veneer Press
- Wooden Veneer Press
- Hand Vacuum Press
Glue Veneer to Back of the Base Board
Glue Edges on the Base Board
Summary
Mounting and Pressing Picture and Frame to Base Board
Material and Tools Required
Miter Template
Mounting and Gluing the Marquetry Picture
Using Contact Cement (press not required)
Materials and tools for framing picture
Making frame miters
Gluing the frame using contact cement
Using PVA glue with a press
Trimming picture to size
Making the frame’s miter joins
Gluing the frame with PVA glue
Completed Picture with Frame
Summary
Sanding and Finishing
Materials and Tools Required
Varathane Premium Diamond Wood Finish
Rotating Lazy Susan Stand
Sanding Block
Finishing Procedure
Summary
About the Author
Paul Dean – Paul Dean was born in Birkenhead, England in 1947. After completing university, he entered the computer industry as a programmer. His career took him from England to South Africa and finally to Canada where he settled in Calgary, Alberta in 1980. For the remainder of his career, Paul worked for a company that produced building products, where he introduced computer integrated manufacturing systems. At the same time, Paul completed his PhD through the University of Calgary in 2009.
Paul was first introduced to Marquetry during his teenage years at boarding school. His father was a carpenter, so having a hobby using wood seemed very natural. During his professional career, Paul completed a number of pieces of Marquetry as he developed his skills and techniques. In 1996 he went to the UK and visited with Derick Austin in Wales, who introduced him to the “Window Method” of doing marquetry. The same year he spent a week at Belstead Hall in England attending a workshop given by Ernie Ives, where he learned more techniques. Since his retirement, in 2009, Paul has been able to devote more time to his craft. He recently completed a cabinetmaking course at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) where he was able to extend his Marquetry skills in embellishing wooden objects and furniture.
Paul is the author of Pacific Northwest Coast Native Art in Marquetry, a book based on the art and designs created by Jim Gilbert and published in the three books that comprise the ‘Learning by Series’ by Jim Gilbert and Karin Clark.