Meet Our Monthly Maker: Javier López

Instagram: @obliqua_madera

Tell us about yourself

I started out as an architect in Chile, but woodworking has always been a hobby of mine. Back home, we have a lot of wood in rivers and old construction sites, and I’d pick pieces up here and there. Eventually, my interest grew more serious. Now, living in Philadelphia, I’m trying to make it my full-time job. I moved to Philly in March after visiting my girlfriend (now wife) last year, and now I’m working on creating and selling woodwork pieces while learning about the city.

What’s your educational background?

I studied architecture in Chile, woodworking is something I’ve taught myself. I learned a lot by watching YouTube videos and reading up on different techniques. It’s been a long journey figuring out which tools I need, especially now that I’m working in NextFab, where the tools are different from what I was used to in Chile. I also had to adapt to new materials, because the trees that grow there are different than those in Chile. But I’m still learning, and that’s what makes it exciting.

What do you make/what are you currently working on?

I’m trying to turn woodworking into a full-time business. I love mixing mathematical patterns and my architectural background with the organic materials I find in nature. Right now, I’m focused on creating sculptural pieces and items that also have a functional use, like lamps or other illuminated objects. I’m also exploring galleries, trying to get my work into more spaces where people can see and appreciate it.

How did you come up with this idea/how did you get started?

I’ve always loved hiking and being in forests. Every time I traveled, I’d bring a piece of wood home with me, almost like bringing a little part of the forest into my house. Over time, I had so much wood that I realized I needed to do something with it. I taught myself to carve, and soon, I had bigger pieces and more tools. Now, I have so many pieces that I need to start selling them – much to my wife’s relief!

What’s the hardest part?

The hardest part for me is selling my work. I’ve never been in business before, so putting myself out there and talking to people has been challenging. That’s why NextFab’s Artisan Accelerator program has been so helpful. It’s teaching me about business modeling, marketing, and how to connect with people. I love working with wood and could do it all day, but learning to sell my creations is an essential skill I’m still developing.

What’s the story behind your business name?

I originally made an Instagram account (@obliqua_madera)  to showcase my work, combining my love for photography and woodworking. The name I chose comes from the tree I often work with, “Roble” ( in Spanish),” whose scientific name is nothofagus obliqua. I loved how it sounded and felt it represented the natural, organic quality of my pieces.

What are your goals?

My main goal is to make a living from my woodworking because I truly enjoy it. If I could spend my days carving, that would be ideal. I’m not aiming to get rich, just to earn enough to enjoy life and explore the city. Philadelphia is a great place to be, and I love walking around and getting to know it better. Selling locally would also allow me to avoid the hassle of shipping and packaging, which is a bonus!

What inspires you?

Nature, without a doubt. I’m fascinated by natural patterns and how they can be abstracted into designs. I study these patterns, sometimes even making mathematical diagrams, and translate them into my woodwork. There’s a hypnotic harmony in nature’s designs, and I try to capture that in each piece I make.

What’s the most rewarding memory in your business?

In the beginning, people would see my work and say, “Did you find this piece like that in nature?” At first, it frustrated me because I had spent months carving and shaping it, but now I see it as a compliment. Watching people, especially children, try to figure out how my pieces were made is rewarding. They’re engaging with the wood on a different level, and they see it not as just furniture, but as something alive – a sacred material.

What makes your business unique?

Every piece I make is handmade, and I’m obsessive about the details. I sand everything until it’s perfect. It’s a slow process, but that’s the only way I can achieve the quality I’m after. My pieces are high-quality, meticulously crafted, and designed to highlight the beauty of the wood itself.

What machinery and spaces do you use at NextFab?

I mostly use the sanding spaces and their filtration system because woodworking produces a lot of dust. I tried sanding at home, but the smoke alarms went off! NextFab’s setup is ideal, and since I live just four blocks away, I can walk there every day and work for hours. It’s become my daily routine.

What advice would you give aspiring makers?

Everyone has a spark inside – a question or idea that needs to be expressed. When you start creating, you’re bringing something into the world that didn’t exist before and if you don’t do it, it stays in the dream world. The key is patience. You won’t get it perfect the first time, but with persistence, you’ll amaze yourself. You’ll find other abilities you never knew you had throughout the experience. Keep working at it like you would at the gym – consistency leads to progress. They say inspiration finds you working, and that’s how good things happen. 

What’s your favorite part about NextFab?

The people. It’s a creative community where everyone is making something different. You can learn just by watching others work. There’s always someone you can talk to when you face a problem, and the vibe is great. Coming from working under a tarp in my backyard in Chile, having a roof over my head at NextFab is amazing. The reason I chose to live in Philadelphia was NextFab and the Museum of Art in Wood, and now I can walk to both!

What’s next for you and your business?

I plan to split my time between Chile and Philadelphia. My goal is to create a workshop back in Chile, but I’d love to sell more of my work here in Philly, where there’s a great appreciation for design. It’s a huge shift from the small town I grew up in, but it’s an exciting step forward.

What made you join the Artisan Accelerator program?

I wanted to develop the business side of my work, and NextFab’s program offered exactly what I needed – marketing, business planning, and a community of makers facing similar challenges. I’m the opposite of that, so I’m trying to mix in the artistic side with the business part. I also want to build a home photo studio to take pictures of my pieces to document them before they leave and build a website where I can sell. It’s been a great opportunity to learn from others and share experiences.

Javier’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and persistence. He’s bringing the beauty of the forest into homes through his art, and Philadelphia is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more of his breathtaking creations!

Interested in learning at NextFab? Learn how to create through hands-on classes!

In Partnership with FORMATION. Media