Manufacturing process

Manufacturing process – From the idea to the work of art

The journey of a piece of wood to sculpture

Each of my artworks undergoes a meticulous process that can take days or weeks. It's a journey that begins with an idea and ends with a unique work of art.

Step 1: Inspiration & Conception

Everything begins with inspiration. Sometimes it's a special piece of wood whose grain tells a story. Sometimes it's an idea that calls for the right material. Often, it's a dialogue between the two.

I make rough sketches, but the true form usually only emerges through working with the material. Wood is alive—it communicates with the artist and guides the process.

Step 2: Material selection

Choosing the right wood is crucial. I examine various pieces:

  • How does the grain run?
  • Are there any peculiarities such as knotholes or adhesions?
  • What color nuances does the wood offer?
  • Does the hardness fit the planned project?

Sometimes I abandon my original idea because the wood itself suggests a better solution.

Step 3: Rough shaping

I use the band saw to remove all excess material and work out the basic shape. At this stage, the sculpture still looks raw—but the direction is recognizable.

This step requires courage: every cut is final. That's why I work slowly and carefully, always in dialogue with the material.

Step 4: Fine work with hands and tools

Now comes the actual sculpting. Using carving knives, chisels, rasps, and files, I work out the details:

  • Curves are refined
  • Edges are set or broken
  • Surfaces get structure
  • The sculpture gains character

This phase often takes the longest and requires utmost concentration. Every move must be perfect, as mistakes are almost impossible to correct.

Step 5: Sanding & Surface Finishing

Sanding is a meditative process. I start with coarse grit and work my way up to the finest sandpaper. With each grit, the wood becomes smoother, and the grain becomes more pronounced.

Depending on the desired surface:

  • Smoothly polished: For elegant, modern sculptures
  • Matt sanded: For natural, organic works
  • Structured: For rustic, powerful objects

Step 6: Oiling & Waxing

The surface treatment is the final and perhaps most important step. I use only natural oils and waxes:

  1. First layer of oil: Is applied and penetrates deep into the wood
  2. Drying: Several hours to days
  3. Second oil layer: For deeper protection
  4. Polishing: With a soft cloth for a silky shine
  5. Optional wax: For particularly elegant surfaces

The oil makes the grain shine and protects the wood from moisture and dirt.

Step 7: Quality control & signing

Before a work leaves my workshop, I examine it critically:

  • Are all surfaces perfect?
  • Are there any sharp edges that need to be smoothed?
  • Is balance present in freestanding sculptures?
  • Are all elements stable?

Only when I am completely satisfied do I sign the work with my artist signature.

Some examples: