Photo credits: Ram Keshav
Reha Salvi
Woodturner & Architect
I am a self - taught woodturner and artist based in Chennai, India.
My journey into crafting contemporary and functional objects on the lathe began as a personal quest for a deeply satisfying hands-on experience, a branching out from my career as an architect and interior designer.
I started turning wood early January 2024, and since then, Lakkadghoom has evolved into an intentional living brand rooted in the artistry of woodturning. It celebrates the intimate relationship between maker and material, where each handcrafted piece is a testament to the marriage of craft and creativity.
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For me, woodturning is not just a craft—it's a form of meditation. The sensory experience of working with fresh timber, the rhythmic sound of tools meeting wood, and the graceful flight of shavings all contribute to a deeply immersive creative process. Each piece I create is born from a place of deep connection and mindfulness, as I strive to marry form and function in every project.
As a self-taught woodturner with no formal guidance, my journey has been one of constant experimentation with forms and finishes. Every piece I create is driven by a desire to improve my techniques, refine my designs, and become more efficient with each cut and detail. In a country where woodturning is often seen merely as a means to produce furniture parts and basic decor items, I am passionate about pushing this craft to its fullest potential and elevating it to an art form.
Woodturning: an art form
In India, woodturning has a rich, deeply rooted history, practiced for generations by artisans like the Wadha Kohlis of Kachchh who make simple kitchen implements and toys, Kharadi artisans in Sankheda from Gujarat who specialise in lathe-turned furniture, or the Channapatna craftsmen famous for their turned & lacquered wooden toys. However, in modern times, woodturned objects are often overlooked, perceived as mundane items like bowls, bedposts, and table legs. I believe the craft of woodturning has the potential to create something that is much more than just utilitarian.
​​My work seeks to revive and transform the perception of woodturning by creating pieces that make people pause and wonder, "How was this made?" This curiosity sparks an appreciation for the craft, bringing it to the forefront, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern artistry. I am passionate about pushing this craft to its fullest potential and elevating it to an art form, by blending contemporary design with traditional techniques, drawing inspiration from India's rich woodturning heritage. By highlighting organic forms, I aim to make woodturning relevant and captivating in today's world, celebrating it as both an art and a craft form.
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