Commonly Asked

Questions and Answers

Q: What is marquetry?

A: The defintion of marquetry is "decorative inlaid work of wood, ivory, metal, etc".  The word marquetry is derived from the French word marqueterie, meaning to spot; or inlay.  Sue Mersman's pictures are made solely from wood pieces that contain no paints, stains, or dyes.

Q: Where did marquetry originate?

A:  This art form dates back to the Egyptians who first started it, producing small mosaic boxes and caskets.  Marquetry came to it's popularity in the Renaissance era, where many elaborate furniture and wall murals were created. 

Q: How did Sue learn this art form?

A:  She is a self-taught artist who learned solely from books, starting by making smaller pieces such as belt-buckles and ornaments, and working her way up to the exquisite pictures that she creates now.

Q: How many types of wood does she use?

A:  She uses up to 185 different types of wood from all over the world.  None of these types are man-made or altered in any way and all colors, grains, and highlights featured in her pictures are created naturally.