Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakandiwa de Leon.
Lakandiwa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been a creative person who enjoyed making things. Over the last 15 years, I’ve been a full-time video editor in the entertainment industry, working mainly in television, but also editing many short films and documentaries.
About two years ago, I decided to make a cutting board for my mom as a Mother’s day gift. I had several tools in my garage leftover from DIY projects I had done here and there, so I thought, “how difficult could it be?” Turns out, it was quite difficult at first. I started learning all the intricate ways one can construct something of quality using wood and marveled at all of the age-old techniques that existed in the craft. My mom loved her gift, and I also was amazed that I could create something of value out of raw materials like that. Needless to say, I became hooked and began building items for friends and family in my spare time, learning from experience and devouring anything I could find related to woodworking at the library and on YouTube.
Over the next year, I cobbled together a shop in my garage buying tools on Craigslist and learning from folks that I had met along the way. Eventually, as my work began to achieve a certain level of quality, my friends and their acquaintances began to notice. A good friend, designer Mark Hermogeno of Hermogeno Designs, gave me a shot to produce some custom pieces for his clients which helped grow my experience and confidence further. After that, I started getting more inquiries for custom furniture, and it has been a non-stop journey ever since.
I am continuing to learn more and more about the craft every day, and have begun branching out to produce my own original designs. Woodworking continues to be a source of joy and meditation in the hustle and bustle of my everyday routine, and the satisfaction I get from creating functional art that inspires others is an amazing feeling that is hard to describe.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’d say anytime you start something new, it’s a hard road somewhat. There is no comfort zone at the beginning, and honestly I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s a lot of frustration because you want to do something well immediately, but I’ve come to realize that in order to achieve a level of quality that I am satisfied with, I have to exhibit patience. Woodworking as a craft is a very slow and methodical process, so even if you wanted to go quickly, the act of building furniture one piece at a time, teaches you right away that it’s better to not rush. It’s a good metaphor for life because there is no substitute for hard work if you want to become good at something.
Since I still work in the entertainment industry full-time, finding time to work on my passion, as well as spend time with my family has also been a bit of a struggle. Luckily, I have a very supportive wife and kids who understand that I am happiest when I’m in my shop creating stuff. It also doesn’t hurt that I get the occasional furniture commission to help make the ends meet.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kidlat Woodworks – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The name of my business is Kidlat Woodworks. Kidlat is Tagalog (Filipino) for “lightning”. It was the nickname for my son when he was a baby and to me it represents creation and the flash of inspiration that happens before you make something.
I’m primarily known for furniture and handmade goods that are inspired by danish modern, Japanese, and minimalist aesthetics. I’ve always been drawn to the simplicity of MidCentury Modern furniture, and I think that informs my design eye as well. I like to think I’m paying tribute to designers that I love such as George Nakashima, Hans Wegner, and Charles and Ray Eames as well as some of my woodworking mentors such as Brandon Morrison of Whyrhymer in LA, Filipino master maker Benji Reyes and Matt Kenney of Fine Woodworking fame.
That said, I think what sets me apart is that even though I am informed by traditional woodworking designs and ideas, being self-taught means I don’t necessarily adhere to any one style or approach. I’m not sure if my work is always constructed the way “it should be” but I let the piece tell me how it’s supposed to become and I feel like my instinct leads me the right way every time.
I am also trying to incorporate motifs and design elements that echo my own background as a Filipino American. There are beautiful woodworking traditions in the Philippines, as well as striking imagery and symbology that I am beginning to find ways to add to my furniture.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Los Angeles is very no-nonsense. From the outside looking in, folks think its all glitz, glamour and plastic people. In reality, it is actually quite gritty, sometimes mean, but always very truthful and honest. If you are good at what you do, folks will let you know, if you are not, they will also not hold back.
The diversity of opinions and constantly evolving culture of Los Angeles is what I truly love. People from all walks of life and backgrounds come here to interact, work together, and create something truly original and unique. I’m always in awe at all the different things I discover in my city every day, and it’s hard to think of living anywhere else.
Pricing:
- $1500+ depending on size and details of custom furniture
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kidlatwoodworks.com
- Phone: 818.515.8238
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidlatwoodworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidlatwoodworks/
Image Credit:
Mark Marking Photography
Michael Hermogeno
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