The process of crafting unique chess pieces starts with a quest for materials that carry their own stories. I scour the countryside and neighboring workshops, gathering weathered woods, aged metals, and sometimes even elements like horsehair.
Nature often guides my choices. A weathered fence wood might whisper tales of resilience, while a fragment of metal from an old agricultural machine may echo the hard work of the fields. I listen to these stories resonating within the materials, seeking elements that evoke a sense of history, endurance, and connection to the land.
Sometimes, the decision is spontaneous—a chance encounter with a material that sparks my imagination. Other times, it's a deliberate search, exploring countryside and workshops.
Ultimately, I seek materials that not only reflect the narratives I wish to convey but also possess a tactile quality, a raw beauty that engages both visually and emotionally. Each material chosen is a testament to the artistry of nature and the enduring tales it holds, waiting to be transformed into a new chapter within my creations.
Once collected, the pieces undergo a meticulous process. I clean, polish, and prepare them, honoring their inherent textures and shapes. Every fragment holds its own history, etched by the elements and the passage of time.
They're then assembled with care, each piece carrying the weight of its narrative.
For the board, I meticulously construct it, often using Venetian mosaic tiles. Each piece I create is like a character in a story, carrying its own history and personality, waiting to engage in the age-old game of strategy and intellect.
