Westhampton Beach-Based Woodworker Artist Crafts Unique Backgammon Boards

Westhampton Beach-based woodworker and artist Jean-Michel Andriot creates one of a kind artisan backgammon boards from top quality materials — custom made to order for his clients.

Mr. Andriot’s upbringing greatly influences his work, he said. He was born and raised on the Mediterranean seaside in France. Drawing inspiration from the coast, his artworks often have aquatic themes. As the grandson of a successful woodworker and the son of an architect, he was guided by their craftsmanship from a young age.

Around 15 years ago, Mr. Andriot came to the United States. He first lived in Manhattan, but deeply missed the coast. “The sea was like the air to me, a part of me,” Mr. Andriot said. “I was like a fish out of water.”

Mr. Andriot and his wife left the bustling city and moved to the oceanside town of Westhampton Beach several years ago.

“It was such a gift because being here gives me so much energy and inspiration. I feel closer to my Mediterranean roots,” Mr. Andriot said. “It enabled me to go on this journey with my work.”

The idea to make luxury backgammon boards was born one summer as Mr. Andriot was watching his friends play backgammon when he began contemplating the architecture and symmetry of the game.

“The artisan in me started studying the dimensions and colors and shapes, and the non-conformist in me thought, ‘What about mixing it up a bit, making a game a little off the conventional, more like a piece of artwork that can be played as well,’” he explained. “It was almost a challenge to myself. My very first one was picked up by an art gallery, and the rest is history.”

Creating custom boards is an intricate, yet gratifying process, he said.

“I definitely enjoy creating the boards. Each one is different and I love the challenge of figuring out how to create something special with each one. That’s the great fun of doing this,” Mr. Andriot said. “But all of that is so each of my pieces can offer something more to the owner.”

He hopes they can transport themselves into the personalized worlds he creates within each board.

Mr. Andriot makes each board from scratch, which can take at least three weeks to complete.

First he fashions the overall board design. Mr. Andriot often collaborates with the client to incorporate elements that reflect their style, interests or home décor. “It takes some time to find the right balance so that the piece reflects all of that while still being very classy,” he said.

The next step is sourcing the woods. Finding the perfect piece of wood with the right details, dimensions, and quality requires an extensive search across the country.

“You don’t find this stuff at the local lumberyard,” Mr. Andriot said. “And I incorporate other materials like Italian Murano glass, hand poured pewter, 24kt gold leaf — depending on the theme and feeling I want to impart.”

Then the craftsman creates the playing points. Each one is cut from the sourced wood and hand painted or designed one by one. Some may be fairly detailed, like surfboard replicas.

After, the playing base is made. This can call for special techniques like hand dying the wood. Next, the perimeter is crafted from contrasting wood or other elements to make it special. Personalized details like a boat name, corporate logo, or handwritten sentiment are also incorporated.

The final and most rewarding step is applying multiple thin coats of resin. This creates a 3D look and a smooth glass-like finish.

“When the final layer of resin has been poured, and I’ve overcome the myriad of challenges, many of which could mean I have to throw the whole piece away and start again, I feel that the piece is a member of the family,” Mr. Andriot said.

Mr. Andriot said he loves all the boards he’s made.

“I put my heart and soul into each one and each is a reflection of my energy with something special that excites me at that moment. So, I’d say my favorite [board] is the next one to come,” he said.

For more information, visit studiojeanmichel.com.