Ward Wijnant’s BLEND Collection Offers a New Perspective on Solid Timber.

Dutch designer and timber craftsman Ward Wijnant creates experimental furniture objects driven by conceptual thinking and working with timber. Seeing it as his mission to interpret the diversity of old methods and materials into contemporary design, Wijnant’s work shows attention to detail and finish as well as a historical understanding of artisanal mastery.

His BLEND project is inspired by the concept that the timber from one tree can provide diverse patterns and structures. Wijnant based the project around the idea of visualizing the effect of different sawing techniques by emphasizing woodgrains. He uses a quarter sawing technique to make the grain appear as stripes, whereas with a plain sawing technique, the grain appears as flames.

BLEND comprises timber furniture that encompasses both quarter and plain-sawn timber, resulting in an unusual texture and surface pattern. Wijnant further alters the inlay work and grain directions, producing surprising new perspectives.

Vibrant colour stains of deep blue, aqua and red complete the three-piece collection, which includes a storage cabinet and two sculptural lamps. The colour further enhances the geometric, patchwork-like effect of Wijnant’s sawing techniques, bringing out the finite ridged texture of the timber. Despite being cut from the same tree, each piece is markedly different.

[Images courtesy of Ward Wijnant. Photography by Ronald Smits.]