Carved Wooden Wall Art

    
    Wall Sculpture is a new form for me, as my earlier artwork is mostly free-standing sculpture (or "carving in the round" see "Sculptural Artwork").  Since this artwork hangs on the wall, it must be limited in depth; thus, I use the techniques of relief carving, such as undercutting and texturing, to add the perception of depth.  However, as relief carvings go, mine are cut deep (3/4" or more) as opposed to bas (or low) relief carving, giving them a substantial third dimension; thus, I call these pieces "Wall Sculpture."  Indeed, this deep relief carving differentiates these pieces from my earlier relief carvings used when making handmade book covers (see "Functional Artwork").  

   The designs of the two round wall hangings that were carved in wood ("Symmetry" & "Eye of the Storm") were taken from my earlier Gourd artwork.  For those interested in carving styles, comparison of gourds and wood (see below) will show the cleaner and sharper lines that can be achieved in wood, but the more crafty appeal of gourds.  Artistically, I like them both and, technically, I enjoy carving in both as well.  In this case, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

Gourd versus Wood: a comparison in carving. While both work artistically, they do so in different ways; wood (on the right) holds cleaner edges while the gourd (on the left) provide a more crafty, handmade appeal.

"The Beauty Within" (20" square). Carved African Padauk (deep red wood) and basswood (orchid) that rests on a patina copper sheet. Bernard Wolf, photography.

"Symmetry" (17" in diameter). Carved Basswood stained with wood dyes; outside circular basswood frame is covered with paper by Kathy Doolittle. George Post, photography.

'Ancient Tide Pools" (32" h x 13" w). Carved Afzelia burl featuring 15 inset fossil ammonites. The sculpture rests on a patina copper sheet within a Maple/Bubinga frame. George Post, photography.

"Ripples in TIme" (17" h x 17" w). Carved blocks of Mahogany and Basswood. George Post, photography.

"Eye of the Storm" (14" in diameter). Carved Basswood stained with wood dyes. Circular frame is Afzeiia burl. George Post, photography.

"Ancient Tide Pools" close-up images. The "Ancient" refers to the inset fossil ammonites that date back about 100 million years.