The Journey of VAL: From the Workshop to Your Home
In the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina lies a small town tucked away amidst the rolling green hills. It is a place where time seems to have stood still, where ancient traditions and craftsmanship are cherished and celebrated.
This is the town of Konjic, renowned for its exquisite woodcarving heritage that has been passed down through generations. Among the many marvels that bear the mark of Konjic’s skilled artisans, one product stands out with timeless elegance and practicality: VAL, the wooden phone stand.
The Beginning of VAL: Crafting the Idea
Today, our phones have become an essential part of our lives, yet they often disrupt our routines with mindless scrolling affecting our posture. Recognising this, WAGA sought to create a wooden phone stand that not only serves a practical purpose but also brings a touch of culture and significance to our daily habits.Â
It was crafted to fill the need for mindful phone use, a space to enjoy your favourite shows, podcasts, or for simply setting your phone aside while you mediate or read. Through VAL, WAGA aims to help us feel more connected to our heritage and humanity, even while using modern technology.Â
This exquisite piece reminds us that even in a digital age, we can honour tradition and find beauty in the material things we use every day, appreciating the centuries old process that brought this item to life.Â
Selecting Perfection: Maple or Walnut
Every VAL phone stand begins its journey with the careful selection of the finest wood. The artisans of Konjic understand the importance of choosing the right materials, as it ultimately determines the quality and durability of the final product.
Among the choices offered for the VAL phone stand, two exquisite woods often take centre stage: maple and walnut. Maple, with its pale hues and subtle grains, exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication, adding a touch of serenity to your home.Â
On the other hand, walnut embodies luxury and character, with its rich dark tones and captivating patterns. Both woods lend their unique charm to the VAL phone stand, allowing individuals to choose the perfect accent for their personal style.
Precision Crafting: Mechanical Processing
Once the wood has been carefully selected, it undergoes a series of mechanical processes that transform it into the foundation of the VAL phone stand. These machines, operated with expert finesse, ensure that each piece is crafted to perfection.
As the whirring of the machinery fills the workshop, the wood is gradually transformed into the sleek and modern base of VAL, each curve and angle carefully cut to meet exact specifications. This part of the process sets a base for the timeless handcrafted traditions that have been honed over generations, creating a seamless blend of old and new.
Artistic Blueprint: Drawing the Reshma Pattern
At the heart of the VAL phone stand lies its crowning glory – the Reshma pattern. This delicate design, inspired by traditional motifs, is carefully hand-drawn onto the wooden surface. Each stroke of the artisan’s pencil carries the weight of Konjic’s artistic legacy, transforming the simple wooden base slowly into a work of art.
Delving deeper into the history of the Reshma pattern, its roots can be found in the rich tapestry of Konjic’s artistic traditions. Passed down through generations, this motif symbolizes unity and harmony in the community, reflecting the connection between different cultures through the love of the same craft.
Adding a Layer of Culture: "Natucanje"
With the Reshma blueprint in place, the skilled Konjic woodcarvers embark on a detailed process known as “natucanje”. This involves the careful chiselling and carving of the wooden base to highlight the Reshma pattern and bring it to life.
Every stroke of the chisel is executed with precision, carving away the excess wood to reveal the delicate design beneath, forming a symphony of texture and depth. The tradition of “natucanje” dates back centuries in Konjic, so as the chisel meets the wood, a connection to the past is forged.
Sculpting Depth and Definition: "Kopanje"
Following the “natucanje” process comes the delicate art of “kopanje.” This technique involves sculpting the Reshma pattern to create depth and dimension. The artisans use their finely honed tools, gently carving away layers of wood on the surface.
As the artisans delve deeper into the wood, they reveal intricate layers that add complexity to the design. Each stroke of the tool is deliberate, as they carefully shape the contours of the pattern, bringing it to life with a sense of realism and movement.
The process of “kopanje” is not just about removing material; it’s a meditative practice for the artisans, requiring patience and a deep connection to the wood itself. The process can take days to complete, as the Reshma pattern is precisely crafted onto the surface.
Through this dedicated craftsmanship, the artisans infuse a piece of themselves into the work, creating a masterpiece that transcends mere decoration and becomes a testament to the beauty of handcrafted artistry.
Embedding Konjic Woodcarving: "Cifranje"
As the VAL’s surface takes shape, the next step in its creation involves a process known as “cifranje” – perfecting the Reshma pattern by adding more detail and sharpness. As the artisans carefully punctuate the pattern, the focus is on each individual carving, making them stand out even more.
Each chisel is strategically placed to create a sense of depth and intricacy within the design, adding a unique touch to every VAL crafted. The process requires a steady hand and a keen eye for detail, as even the slightest deviation can alter the overall aesthetic of the piece.
Bringing the Piece to Life: Final Touches
Completing the journey of the VAL phone stand are the final touches that transform it into a gleaming masterpiece. A perfectly sanded wooden sphere is placed on the surface, to allow sturdy holding for your phone and ultimately finishing the unique shape of VAL.
The artisans use their skilled hands to carefully sand and polish the wood, smoothing its surface to reveal its natural lustre. After the polishing process, the artisans take a moment to inspect the wood carefully, ensuring that every corner and curve is flawlessly smooth. Each stroke of the polishing cloth is a labor of love, a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship embedded in every inch of the stand.
To ensure longevity and preserve its beauty for years to come, the VAL phone stand is then treated with a nourishing oil, providing a protective layer that accentuates the wood’s natural tones.As the oil is gently massaged into the surface of the VAL phone stand, its warm hues deepen, creating a stunning visual depth that showcases the natural beauty of the wood.Â
From the Workshop to Your Doorstep
Once the VAL phone stand has undergone its detailed crafting and finishing processes, it is carefully packaged and prepared for its journey from the workshop to its new owner. With the smell of freshly carved wood embedded, every VAL phone stand bears witness to Konjic’s rich woodcarving heritage.Â
As the VAL phone stand makes its way from the workshop, nestled in the picturesque hills of Konjic, it carries with it a piece of Bosnian history and craftsmanship. The artisans in Konjic, known for their skillful hands and attention to detail, have passed down their woodworking techniques through generations, ensuring that each VAL phone stand is not just a functional item but a work of art.
