Defying the curves
- Andrew uses wood bending technique to craft his curved designs
- Nature is a major source of inspiration for his pieces
- He opened his workshop in France in 2017
Andrew Hemus specialises in crafting furniture, sculptures and lighting that highlight the natural beauty of wood. Trained in art and design in the UK, Andrew first worked with ceramics and metal sculpture before being drawn to woodworking for its warmth and versatility. His approach combines traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, exploring the boundaries of form and function. One of Andrew's main techniques is steam bending, a method that allows wood to take on organic and fluid shapes. "I carefully design each piece and handcraft it with respect for the balance between wood and structure," he shares. Committed to an ethical approach, Andrew collaborates with local artisans to ensure that wood is sourced nearby, with a respect for craftsmanship and the environment. "Rather than following trends, I favour the creation of timeless objects," he explains.
Interview
- What are your main sources of inspiration?
- I really like the Art Nouveau period. It influences my work with curves and delicate attributes. I have sometimes been compared to a Gaudí, a Guimard or an Horta of the 21st century. This is very flattering, but at the same time a heavy responsibility to bear!
- How do you define your craft?
- In the making of my pieces, I think I am both a cabinetmaker and a designer, though above all I consider myself an artist at heart. I create more for myself rather than for others. The relationship I have with my practice is extremely important to me. Each of my creations tells a story that is often explained by the name I give it.
- Why did you specialise in wood bending?
- I am particularly fond of curves and arcs. I do not find satisfaction in simply carving a piece of furniture to give it a curve. Bending it grants the material a certain type of malleability. It opens the door for a much more poetic approach to the object and its artistry.
- What are the limits of this technique?
- The only limits that exist are the ones we impose on ourselves! Wood submits to the constraints that we give it, which is why I always want to push its boundaries. I want to create with unlimited possibilities, which is what led me to specialising in different wood bending techniques.
Andrew Hemus is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2002
Where
Andrew Hemus
