The "The Marquetry of Jean-Pierre Straub, Island Artist" Story

It was an ordinary day. Rainy! During our recent vacation to St. Martin we had many rainy days and since the weather didn't lend itself to sitting on a beach, we got to tour the island much more that we usual do. Just returned back to our villa after a a truly remarkable visit to one of the best artists on the island. Jean-Pierre Straub is involved with marquetry. Marquetry is the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, designs or pictures. Jean-Pierre specialzies in island scenes. And, they are beautiful! We had seen his work for many years during our travels to the island and have always marveled with the detail he gets in his work. One of my forum friends sent me a map so that I could locate his shop and make a visit to see him in action. Since I had been involved in teaching wood shop for many years and working in wood myself, I was excited to make the visit. After quite a few wrong turns and many French descriptions as to how to get to his studio, we found it. A dismal shed, falling apart and with poor light. Even more amazing that he can produce some of the best work in the world in this environment. I walked in the open door and found him by his jig saw, working on another piece of art. Jean-Pierre was born in France in 1952. His father was his mentor, since he was also involved in marquetry. Jean-Pierre did his apprenticeship under his father's guidance. He has been living in the Sandy Ground area of St. Martin for the past 20 some years, producing his art. He travels the world to get his wood, but is able to find most of his veneers on his annual trips to France. Veneer refers to thin slices of wood, usually thinner than 3 mm (1/8 inch), which he finds in every possible color needed to complete his pieces of art. Many exotic species of veneer are used. He glues paper on the back of the veneer so it will not splinter as he cuts it on his jig saw. To get his pieces to fit together so perfectly, he places them on top of each other and cuts them both at one time. I learned more from him in the half hour I spent with him then I did in any course I ever took on marquetry. A true master of his art. Showing me some of his procedures was more understandable than telling me, since he spoke mostly French. I cannot understand French! After a thoroughly enoyable visit with him, he was kind enough to allow me to take some photos of a few pieces of his work as well as some of the tools and veneers he uses. One of his works of art has been on my wish list for years, but has now moved to the top of the list. His peices start at about 400 Euros and run as high as a couple of thousand Euros. Maybe next year!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Pixs from the top are: island map showing location of his shop, some of the samples he had in his shop, his jig saw and some of his tools, excess pieces of veneer after use, and Jean-Pierre holding one of his exceptional pieces of marquetry. Following are a few more samples of his remarkable work.

Jean-Pierre Straub - A true and noble Frenchmen