More wood! Interview with Xavier Mas
If you wonder what the difference is between art and craft, here you will discover that for Xavier these concepts are inseparable.
The life of Xavier Mas has always been closely linked to art, going through different stages. From studying Fine Arts and working in various museums, to devoting himself fully to one of his lifelong passions, carpentry, where he has managed to stand out in a world dominated by low-cost furniture. Xavier knows the materials well and enjoys the whole process: from the initial work with the wood to the stories told by the furniture already used, as shown in his house full of unique rescued pieces.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
I am Xavier Mas and I design and build furniture, I am a cabinetmaker.
My mother says that when I was a child, when I was asked, I always said that when I grew up I wanted to be a "frogman or a carpenter"... So as soon as I could, I got my diving qualification and it took me a bit longer to start carpentry. In fact, I studied Fine Arts and spent a lot of time on painting and contemporary art. It was working in museums where I had my first contact with professional carpentry: the MoMA in New York had an entire workshop with seven Italians like the Sopranos who cooked right there, and sometimes I was more interested in what they were doing than in what was hanging in the rooms. So I ended up retraining myself.
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and any that you are particularly proud of?
Solid wood is a treasure and finding treasures gives me an adrenaline rush: I have had some wonderful elm, walnut or ash logs waiting for the right project for years.
The truth is that when I decided to dedicate myself to cabinetmaking everyone told me I was crazy, that no one appreciated quality work anymore. But this has not been the case, and more and more people want objects that last and value the process of creating a custom-made piece of furniture with sustainable woods, processes and finishes.
Perhaps the most satisfying thing is when clients come to me with challenging projects, such as making furniture without glue or screws, or my favourite, a Japanese bath I made a couple of years ago in cedar wood.
What is your creative process like?
Designing is drawing, so paper and pencil, no software. Then wood prototypes and more prototypes until I get what I want. Designing furniture from a workshop is also an endless number of technical decisions.
What are your sources of inspiration?
Georges Nakashima's synthesis of Eastern and Western traditions never ceases to inspire me, especially the idea of respect for wood as the living being it was.
Any special music while working?
There is always music in the workshop, but I am really eclectic! Depending on the mood, I can go through AC/DC (for a little while), classical (Baroque, if possible) or sing Silvio Rodríguez, Dover or Manel at the top of my lungs. Yes, I'm a guy old school.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order!
This favourites thing isn't my thing...
Colour, impossible to choose one, I like them all.
Book...Titian: Nymph and Shepherd by John and Katya Berger (published in Spanish by Árdora).
Peli... I have to put two: "Lost in translation y "The Darjeeling Limited.
I don't have any favourite albums right now, I guess because of Spotify, but in other lives I listened until I was bored. "Good view social Club".the BSO of "Tous les matins du monde". o "The melody at night with you by Keith Jarrett.
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it's like, your favourite decorative object or piece of furniture?
I was afraid that I would end up like those old ladies who collect cats, but furniture version: from my first house, I adopted them from the street. I also have furniture that I made myself, but it's more functional, in the blacksmith's house...
I live in an old and somewhat ramshackle flat in the Born where I am surrounded by things that have accompanied me through life, such as the paintings of my friend Nacho Tatjer.
The house is organised around the heart of the kitchen, which opens through a window into the living room. A lot of years ago it appeared in the decoration section of a Sunday paper with the title "The recycled house", so the sustainable thing comes from a long time ago.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
Some Hans Wegner chairs.
A great plan at home always includes...
Lunch with friends.
Do you have a signature dish?
I am a black rice cracker.
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
I am still impressed by Santa María del Mar, early in the morning, when there are no people in the street. Walking down to the sea is another privilege of the neighbourhood.
Abroad, right now, a lost shop in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Puro campito.
More and more people want objects that will last and value the process of creating bespoke furniture with sustainable woods, processes and finishes.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
More passions: when I travel I always take my binoculars and my old Polaroid SX70 camera.
My favourite soundtrack is birds, swifts over the city, owls or tawny owls in the forest, blackbirds or starlings in the parks.
Enter the Xavier Mas website to discover the wonderful work of a 21st century cabinetmaker.
