Olly Fathers: Exploring Geometry and Nostalgia Through Wood Veneers

Working from his studio in Brixton, Olly Fathers is an artist whose practice combines geometric forms with wood veneer to create striking, multi-layered artworks. In this video, Olly discusses his journey, from his fascination with geometric forms to the meticulous process that defines his work today.

Olly’s love for woodworking runs deep, rooted in family memories. Growing up with the smell of wood in the air, he was surrounded by his father’s and grandfather’s craftsmanship.

This early exposure sparked his curiosity about intricate woodwork, especially those hand-crafted boxes that seemed almost magical. “The fact that the maker had used this particular wood… planted a seed in me,” he reflects.

A Treasure Hunt for Veneers

For Olly, sourcing veneers has become an art form in itself. He describes it as a “treasure hunt,” a journey to find unique wood species that bring stories of their own. Each veneer offers a different texture and pattern, inspiring Olly’s designs and adding an element of nostalgia to his work. His pieces are meticulously crafted, down to the millimetre, creating subtle shifts in perspective that draw viewers to engage from various angles.

Precision Meets Art

Olly’s process is a study in precision. Each artwork is planned digitally, with every angle and line calculated to achieve balance, movement, and tension. Although the pieces are flat, they’re constructed with a sense of depth, giving them the appearance of paintings from afar. The result is an illusion of three-dimensionality, achieved through thoughtful layering and subtle contrasts in wood grain direction.

Olly’s work invites viewers to move, explore, and experience the dynamic interplay of shapes, perspective, and material—a tribute to both geometry and nostalgia.