
Chelsea Vivash


For our latest feature we chatted to East London-based artist and marquetry extraordinaire, Chelsea Vivash. Chelsea’s unique, signature style of marquetry mirrors and artworks have attracted critical acclaim, recently featuring in Homes & Gardens, Living Etc and YOU Magazine.
We asked Chelsea what inspires her making process and what she’s working on now, and we find out what her most treasured home possessions are.

We love your collection of art and homeware pieces. They are made using the technique of marquetry. How did you discover the world of marquetry?
I originally studied Fine Art at University in Edinburgh and at that time I was making sculptures out of old pieces of furniture that I found in a scrap yard. I found an old table with a marquetry surface and was intrigued by how it was made. I loved the idea of creating an image out of the natural wood veneers, and I appreciated the skill involved in making the work. I later returned to study furniture design and making in London because I wanted to learn about the crafts that I admired and to develop my own making skills.
Marquetry is like drawing your ideas with wood and combines all the things I enjoy. I like the way you have to be very precise when cutting the veneers, which is a skill that takes practice. I take the traditional technique of marquetry and give it a contemporary spin. I like the idea that people don’t always know how the work is made, but that they can appreciate the varied colours and textures of the wood grain.
You work from a studio in East London. Can you describe a typical day there?
The first thing I do when I get to the studio is put on a podcast, music or Radio 4 and make a cup of tea. I need this little ritual to get me in the right frame of mind for working. I start by completing the things I need to do to meet deadlines etc. I usually have a to-do list in my mind (or even sometimes written down if I’m feeling organised!) and I think that I’m quite good at knowing what I need to get done in order of priority.
When I’m busy, I don’t have as much time as I would like to explore new ideas and create originals, although I try to take time each week to draw, as I think it really helps to keep my creativity going, and it can also help inspire me for other projects. Some days, however, I clear the decks and make something that has been brewing in my mind, or as a way to bring myself back to myself when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed…these are often the best pieces.

What are you working on at the moment?
As well as working on mirror frame orders for customers, I’m currently working on a private commission of a statement wall piece, which I’m excited to share with you all soon. I’ve also been working towards a collection of new mirror frames as well as 3D objects such as vessels, candlesticks and lamp stands. I’m excited for 2022 as you will hopefully see a lot of exciting developments within my practice.
Who are you inspired by?
Visually, I’m inspired by a variety of artists, crafts people, product designers and interior designers, as well as things I see everyday as I’m walking around East London. Spiritually, I am constantly inspired by the network of amazing hardworking creatives I have around me and I find that really helps me to keep going and moving forward with my work.
What’s your most treasured possession at home?
My most treasured possessions are probably my collections of small objects that I have picked up over the years – from glass bottles to ceramics and other miscellaneous items. I don’t really like clutter as a general rule, but I believe that objects hold a rich history on their surface and I love bringing back something from a trip so it can remind me of a time in my life.
What was the last exhibition you visited?
Unfortunately, I don’t get as much time to visit exhibitions as I would like to. I recently visited Tate Britain as I love the collections there, especially the Henry Moore. On my last gallery day out, I visited a beautiful print exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery by artist, Helen Frankenthaler, who created incredible textured woodcuts, and then I went to the iconic Noguchi exhibition at the Barbican Centre.
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Oval Curve Line Mirror£480.00
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Round Curve Mirror Neutral£400.00
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Oval Curve Marquetry Mirror£480.00
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Arch Marquetry Mirror£480.00
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Arch with Dowels£120.00
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A3 Risograph Print£25.00
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Round Curved Mirror£400.00
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Still Life with Crescent | Marquetry£250.00