Intarsia is an art form first popular in 15th century Italy. Intarsia has been defined as a mosaic of wood fitted together and glued to a wooden support. To many observers, intarsia resembles a puzzle. In that all the pieces must fit together that is true. Today, an artist's interpretation plays a major role in how best to explain intarsia.
For me, intarsia is an art form in which different species and colors of wood are selected and shaped to be a part of larger whole. No one piece stands alone, and yet each is integral to the completed work. It is the shaping and blending of the individual pieces that sets a work of intarsia apart. When asked to explain intarsia, I often reply it is making a picture with wood. For some reason, words just don't do intarsia justice. Neither do photos. Intarsia must be touched and seen to be appreciated.
My pieces are finished with three hand-rubbed coats of a poly-urethane gel prior to final assembly. The wood species are listed on the backs of the support board, and each piece is signed by me. Regardless of effort or intention no two pieces of intarsia art can be the same. In fact, until the first coat of gel is applied and the colors 'pop' out of the wood, it is impossible to be sure that my wood selection does what I was hoping it would do for the overall work.
I am currently dabbling with an alternative form of intarsia. Using one species of wood, I am shaping the project as I would normally. Then, I am giving a color wash to the individual pieces to create a more colorful piece of art. Many people find this technique produces a pleasing piece of art. I'm partial to the form you will see on all but the last page of my website. It was my love of the beauty of wood that drew me to intarsia initially.
I took the basic class from Judy Gale Roberts in April of 2005. It seemed then, and seems now, that I had found my calling as a worker of wood. Since then, I've been going back as often as possible to learn whatever Judy will teach me. That is currently six trips from western Idaho to eastern Tennessee. I highly recommend checking out Judy Gale Roberts website:
www.intarsia.com She is an artist beyond measure. I learn from the best.
