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Jigsaw

ByBruce Sharp

Radiata pine is omnipresent but is also a timber with a reputation. It generally has strings of adjectives attached to it where the first is, cheap.

Here, a recycled piece, 300mm x 400mm, has been cut into a jigsaw. That was tedious, but more-so was the finishing. Each piece was scorched with a blow torch then brushed with fine nylon bristles to create a burnished tactile surface on all sides.

The end result is pretty, inviting to touch and looks nothing like radiata. Though there are not many pieces it is quite difficult because the shapes have no obvious front or back. The emperor does not need new clothes!

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