Ricardo Graham Ferreira

O Ebanista

Furniture maker

Crafting with intuition, celebrating imperfection

Ricardo learned fine woodworking in Europe’s ateliers
He harnesses the imperfections found in wood to enrich the character of his work
IN one of his projects, he crafted 12 chairs to celebrate 12 unique woods

Ricardo Graham Ferreira began practising his craft in woodworking workshops in Italy and France, mastering traditional techniques and earning the title of ébéniste, a mark of expertise in fine furniture. For Ricardo, woodworking transcends technique and is an intuitive craft led by the hands. “The hands know things the mind does not need to understand,” he reflects. “When I made banco Sela, I remember carving the wood and letting things happen, not forcing an outcome.” Incidentally, the Sela stool went on to win an award. Inspired by Joaquim Tenreiro and Scandinavian minimalism, Ricardo’s designs feature organic curves, rope, and responsibly sourced Brazilian hardwoods with natural imperfections, such as mineral streaks, insect bites, or discolourations. “These are not flaws but witnesses to the tree’s journey,” he says, emphasising that such marks are integral to the authenticity and aesthetic of his creations.

Interview

How does working with solid wood shape your process?: Since I work with a natural material, I know I cannot have a uniform process. I am not working with an MDF board that has a fixed thickness and reacts the same way every time, but with a living material, that moves and responds.
Can you detail a project challenge?: In the Three-Legged chair project, I was tasked with crafting 12 chairs, each from a different wood species. This turned into a thorough study, as each type of wood varied significantly in density, fibre structure, colour, scent, and weight. Handling these diverse materials was both a joy and a technical challenge.
What are your rope-based designs?: Rope is an excellent element to use due to its versatility and intuitive use. It allows for more interaction with the piece. I can adjust the tension or replace the rope, making the experience more intimate and personal. Additionally, the ability to see through the rope adds a lightness to the piece.
What legacy do you hope to leave in Brazilian design?: The legacy that accompanies my work can be seen in the quality I apply to it, which largely stems from the pleasure I take in woodworking, exploring the different types of wood we have here, and applying the craft of woodworking in an original way, incorporating tropical woods into meaningful designs.

Ricardo Graham Ferreira is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2007