to the BAZ FOSTER MARQUETRY Online Gallery.
We invite you to browse through the artworks and enjoy
this combination of rare and beautiful timber enhanced
with meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision.
These exquisite pieces will delight art collectors,
and are the perfect gift for special occasions such
as weddings, engagements and corporate presentation.
Should you wish to purchase a BAZ FOSTER MARQUETRY
picture, simply phone (mobile - 0409 712 799) or email
Sandra, and she will arrange all the details for you.
"Marquetry is the most sustainable way of using our
beautiful and precious Australian forest resources, as only
extremely small amounts of timber are used. I hope that you
enjoy viewing my gallery."
- Baz Foster
.
Marquetry is the art form used to create pictures
using different colours and shades of timber, much
like an artist uses a paint palette to paint a picture.
BAZ FOSTER MARQUETRY
First of all I make various sketches of an idea that
I have for a picture. Once the idea is established
clearly in my mind, a "layon" is made, which
incorporates the picture border and the background
timbers (figure and species of timber etc.)
I then create a free hand line drawing on the "layon"
to give the basis of the picture. I find that drawing directly
onto the "layon" gives me a spontaneity to the
picture, and allows me to alter the composition of the picture
as I go, rather then tracing a drawing, which is the most
widely used method.
After this I start the painstaking task of cutting the
various parts of the picture. This can take many hours selecting
different colours and patterns of timber to create the desired
effect. Also at this stage some "sandshading"
is included, to give depth to various elements in the picture.
On completion of the "layon" the picture is then
placed in a press, where it is laminated to a rigid support,
known as a "ground" Once the pressing is complete
and the work has "cured", the exciting task of
sanding and polishing is undertaken. This is when the picture
really comes to life, and I can see as to whether my original
ideas have been transformed into a beautiful marquetry picture. .
For as long as I can remember I have been creating pictures
using various mediums, (oils acrylics etc) and then
15 years ago (whilst living in Tasmania), I discovered
the art form of marquetry, and since this first encounter
with this ancient art form, it has been a passion of
mine ever since.
I try to create movement in my pictures by the careful
selection of figured timbers. Australia produces some
of the most exquisitely figured timbers in the world,
which allows me to create a wide variety of subject
matter in my pictures.
I work in collaboration with my wife Sandra - who is my most
strident critic, and quality controller, and who also runs
our gallery, and is the first person to contact for enquiries
and sales. She has been my partner since we started on this
exiting journey of marquetry, and is extremely knowledgeable
about the medium. We are extremely fortunate to live in the
beautiful village of Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands,
where I find endless inspiration from the tropical rainforest,
with it's enormous variety of flora and fauna.
Art competition prizes include "Festival of the Forest"
at Ravenshoe, and the Edward Koch Art Prize, Cairns. BAZ
FOSTER MARQUETRY may be viewed at fine art galleries
across Australia including my home village of Yungaburra,
Far North Queensland. .
BAZ FOSTER MARQUETRY
Baz and Sandra Foster Email
Mobile: 0409 712 799
P.O. Box 123 Yungaburra
North Queensland, Australia, 4884
