Seth Ter Haar

Laser-Cut Legacies: Redefining Marquetry in Milwaukee features 30 laser-cut marquetry vignettes inspired by Milwaukee's local archives of  historic furniture. Marquetry, a traditional craft, involves applying veneer pieces to form decorative patterns, historically a laborious task with a knife. Modernizing this technique with a laser cutter accelerates the process to a few hours. Beyond efficiency, as a gay man I aim to 'queer' this historical craft, challenging norms by merging tradition with innovation. Each vignette becomes a canvas where past and present converge, celebrating Milwaukee's furniture heritage while pushing artistic boundaries. This project signifies the synchronization of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, a celebration of evolving art where history meets the future.