Matanda Wood Creations
Vic Barr's Handcrafted Wooden Boxes
Depending on the wood, he uses nitrocellulose lacquer, polyurethane or Danish oil as a finish. "On some of the pieces, I spend forty percent of my time on the finish because the last thing I do is the first thing the buyer sees." Often a piece of wood at a lumber yard or a distributer draws him because it's highly figured or beautifully grained. "I know it wants to be something, but it hasn't yet told me what it wants to be," he says.
A self-acknowledged perfectionist, Barr admits that he is happiest in his workshop, designing a new and challenging piece, making all the parts fit perfectly, and enhancing the beauty of the wood.
"I never bought a piece of wood that I didn't hold in my hands," he says. "I don't buy off the internet and I only source from reputable importers." In addition, Barr plans the use of every piece of wood down to the smallest scrap so that there is little left but shavings and sawdust.
VIC BARR/ MATANDA WOOD CREATIONS — Matanda is a made-up word derived from the names of Barr's two children, Matt and Amanda.
Frequently asked questions
What finishes does Vic Barr use on his wood creations?+
Depending on the wood, Barr uses nitrocellulose lacquer, polyurethane, or Danish oil as a finish. On some pieces, he spends up to forty percent of his time on the finish.
Why is the finish so important to Vic Barr's process?+
Barr emphasizes the finish because it is the last thing he does but the first thing the buyer sees. On some pieces, he devotes forty percent of his total time to finishing.
How does Vic Barr source his wood?+
Barr never buys a piece of wood he hasn't held in his hands. He does not purchase wood online and only sources from reputable importers.
What does the name Matanda Wood Creations mean?+
Matanda is a made-up word derived from the names of Barr's two children, Matt and Amanda.
How does Vic Barr minimize wood waste in his shop?+
Barr plans the use of every piece of wood down to the smallest scrap. As a result, little is left behind but shavings and sawdust.
What inspires Vic Barr to choose a particular piece of wood?+
Barr is often drawn to wood at a lumber yard or distributor because it is highly figured or beautifully grained. He says he knows the piece wants to be something, but it hasn't yet told him what.