Antonis Cardew

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I was born in London and began my training at art school. After a trip to Italy, I enrolled in an intensive two-year course in wood craftsmanship (Parnham School for Craftsmen in Wood).
I set up in London in 1992 as a cabinetmaker/furniture designer and woodturner, then moved to Paris in 1998. I started teaching at Paris Ateliers in 2002 and found great satisfaction in passing on my knowledge.
For me, craftsmanship—the art of making everyday objects—gives me a sense of existence, of being rooted in the earth.

What is your story with L’Établisienne?

Laurence contacted me "out of the blue" (Antonis is English 😉) to teach woodturning classes. I immediately accepted because I love having the opportunity to share my skills.

What do you do there?

I teach 3-hour introductory woodturning classes on Friday afternoons.

What is:
Your favorite material?
Fruit woods, preferably in their “green” state, meaning from a freshly cut tree (wood that hasn’t dried yet is called “green”).

Your favorite tool?
The woodturner’s hollowing gouge, for its simplicity and versatility.

Your favorite gesture?
Hollowing out a bowl of green wood on the lathe, or oiling wooden tableware with walnut oil.