Like for most people, the COVID-19 pandemic brought on challenging times, but also opportunities. I've been working in the tech industry for 20 years, often traveling internationally (my company provided me with the opportunity to travel to 32 different countries) and experiencing different cultures. Not having the ability to do that anymore, made me realize those experiences had fed my artistic vein, gathering inspiration for my cooking (my wife says I'm an amazing chef :)), my music (played classical piano since my childhood), and my love for design and beautiful spaces. All of a sudden, I had to start looking for other sources for inspiration.
Long story short, we bought a travel trailer and started travelling, to at least experience different places in the US, as well as a great sense of freedom - being able to be anywhere, not connected to the "grid" and yet be fully functional. I quickly realized that in order to really be independent, I needed to build a robust solar / battery system, which led me to completely redesign the system the travel trailer was originally equipped with. I needed to build a simple box to house my new batteries, inverter, and all components. With very little experience in woodworking, I used some of the tools my late father-in-law had left me, and in no time, I had the whole new system installed and ready to go.
What I didn't expect is that little box under the trailer bed was the door to a whole new world. A world that I should have known since I was a kid, but in a way all of what I had worked on, being an industrial engineer and having had the exposure I had with all forms of art were preparing me for this moment of realization: woodworking is my real passion.
In very little time, I built a fully functional woodshop in my garage (which my own dad now calls "the factory"), consumed an enormous amount of content and woodworking information, and started building beautiful pieces of furniture for friends and family. Most say they don't believe the quality and craftsmanship of the pieces I produced, especially knowing how long I had been doing it. But in a way, I have been "doing it" all my life, it's just that my hands were the last ones to express this language.
Now, I am proud to present some of the pieces I have been creating, and eventually will be able to share some of them with you. For me, I'm fulfilled if I'm able to create premium and unique pieces that are carefully designed, crafted and last for generations.
If you'd like to inquire about a custom piece of furniture or a household item you think fits my vision, I'd be honored to have a discussion with you. Please send me a message at fantinwoodworking@outlook.com or send a message through the contact page. I hope you like what you see.