Rex Funk on Marquetry

Rex will present the history of marquetry, the tools and materials, suitable subjects, compositions, and wood selection. Three techniques will be discussed:

• Scroll saw double bevel
• Hand work using a coping saw, including a demonstration of the technique
• Working with thin veneers and an xacto knife, including a demonstration.

Bio:

As the son of a machinist living in Southern California, Rex grew up with tools and machinery.  He began woodworking at an early age and maintained a fascination with the beauty and diversity of wood throughout his life.  After graduating from the University of California at Long Beach he moved to New Mexico and taught high school biology and photography at West Mesa and Manzano HS. He followed his passion for open space as an advocate and then as Albuquerque’s first Open Space Superintendent.    After retirement, he lived in Oregon and Arizona and then settled in Corrales with his wife Lujet in 2016.  He immediately built a workshop to pursue woodworking.  His work is influenced by his broad background and connection with nature and numerous wood turning and woodworking seminars taken over the years.  He enjoys using an extensive pallet of contrasting and figured woods from all over the world and incorporating them in his unique designs.  Embellishing techniques such as pyrography, gilding and patinas, and creative use of paints and dyes also enliven his work.  He has done extensive work in marquetry and inlay, wood turning, furniture, and wood sculpture.  He has been a member of the Jerome AZ Artist’s Co-Op Gallery, the Corrales Society of Artists, New Mexico Woodturners and has had one-man shows and numerous commissions.  His work will be featured at the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival Holiday Show in November and the Corrales Art Studio Tour in May.