Tashi Tsering started working for Atelier Viollet in October 2011, where he has since been motivated by his surrounding colleagues and the workshop environment. He reveres his fellow coworkers, acknowledging them as “master craftsmen”. They inspire him to create intricate and beautiful furniture out of raw materials.
While reflecting on his woodworking experience, Tashi appreciates being able to demonstrate his wide variety of skills while also being able to challenge himself daily. During one week he may be busy putting together the finishing touches on black lacquered nesting tables inspired by Jean Dunand, while the next week could call for working on a gypsum crystal sideboard designed by Jean Paul Viollet himself. The lack of similarity in Tashi’s day-to-day tasks stimulates him since he enjoys that “there’s never a dull moment”.
Tashi admires using all of the unique materials that the workshop features in many of their pieces utilizing what he describes as meticulously perfected techniques specific for each respective material. When Atelier Viollet recently introduced gypsum in their work, Tashi was intrigued and gravitated towards the material. He values how organic and natural the mineral is. His expertise at understanding the materials Atelier Viollet works with has allowed him to incorporate gypsum beautifully with new pieces of furniture.
Upon seeing a piece grow from just an idea to a finished piece, Tashi is humbled as he watches it come to life throughout the entire process. He considers each project to be a life lesson. He watches all of the time, effort, and energy that is put into his work produce such an outstanding result. Tashi also has recognized a genuineness throughout Atelier Viollet that helps him thrive as a craftsmen. “In a money-minded world,” he says, “honesty is the best policy.”
