Michal Čiliak

Written with wood

• Michal's speciality is Damascus steel pens
• He made his first pen for his wife
• He used to have a corporate job

At first sight, one wouldn't guess that Michal Čiliak is a pen maker. He might be mistaken for a windsurfing instructor or a successful sales representative. And actually, he used to be both. Michal had a safe career in a corporate company, but it wasn't satisfying his creativity. So, he decided to follow his childhood hobby: woodwork. Making massive tables and other furniture pieces, Michal experienced wood in all its forms: from the trunk to the final product. Once, he decided to surprise his partner with a handmade pen. It took him half a year to make. But the result was so good that he was inspired to make more. And he's never stopped. Although he still teaches windsurfing in Greece, he loves Greece for reasons beyond the beautiful sandy beaches and warm sun: olive wood.

Interview

©Jakub Belšán

©Alex Vyroubal

Was it hard for you to learn the craft?

As a boy, I took part in many after-school activities. It was here that I learnt to work with different types of tools and materials. It seemed natural for me to work manually. The challenge was to understand the wood. It's a live material, so sometimes it is unpredictable.

What kind of wood do you like the most?

My favourite is the Greek olive, but every type has its charm. However, the origin is very important: I use only wood from properties and gardens that had to be cleared of trees and had to be cut down. I choose it very carefully and preferably personally.

What is your favourite metal?

I fell for the Damascus steel, an ancient type of steel used for kings and emperors' swords. It was believed to give them power and dignity. The original way of making it remains secret. It is tough to make small elements of it, but I found a way.

What do you like the most about your work?

I enjoy that I enjoy it. Every day in my workshop is fulfilling. I started in a borrowed garage without heating, where I used to work in a down jacket. But it was worth the hardship. Just as all the failures were important to teach me, I continue to keep learning and having fun, every day.

Michal Čiliak is a rising star: he began his career in 2016

Works

0

0

0

0

0

Where