How It's Made
A Creative Process
From selecting just the right wood materials, to executing a complicated design, passion for beautiful art is what drives each Rare Canvas creation. Each completed work shows how every detail is considered — every challenge is patiently endured.
The Material
Local & Sustainable
Each wood slab that we use is locally sourced from urban rescue and State managed trees, air dried for approximately one year, and kiln dried for weeks to ensure a stable core moisture content, free of pests. Wood species are selected for color, grain pattern and for the natural imperfections that introduce rare features into a composition — cracks become rivers, rotten areas and voids become lakes, and wild live edges become mountain ranges and ocean coasts.
Stunning figure dictates the design, and adding epoxy resin turns the unwanted and discarded features of a wood slab into a unique work of art. Our epoxy resin formula is selected for its high bio-content and environmentally friendly properties, producing a crystal clear medium with endless creative potential.
The Design
Capturing Concepts
Before any wood is carved or epoxy is poured, every detail of a design concept is approved through photo-realistic comps, illustrations, and technical CAD plans. We only have one shot to execute the fabrication, and there are no back-up slabs or redos; results are permanent.
After consulting with the client, our designers photograph the proposed wood slabs and digitally illustrate design comps using wood's actual form and character. Technical CAD plans are then generated for every cut and carve line, including vector art if CNC machines or lasers will be used. Hardware, tech and lighting components, as well as crating and installation instructions are specified, providing a complete fabrication plan.
The Execution
Patient & Methodical
Much like a traditional painting, our wall sculptures are constructed from back to front; from carved distant mountains to detailed veneer trees in the foreground. Slabs are first formed with topography, and live edges are carved and stained before the sky and rivers are poured in a sequence of layers. Surface details are carved by hand and stained. Layer upon layer, illustrated and carved details, along with dozens of individually mixed epoxy colors, are carefully worked into the design. Lighting units are custom built to specification, and wall cleats are attached after final finishing.
Depending on size and complexity, fabrication lead times run around 8 weeks from the date of signed CAD drawings and received deposit.
The Finish
A Team Accomplishment
Completed works are branded, numbered and signed by the artist, carefully packed and crated for shipment. Our hotel and resort project logistics are processed through our international furniture partner, JOHN RALPH, with simple instructions provided for contracted installation crews. Local installations in Idaho are managed by our custom furniture partner, WoodLab, and the artist tries to be present for every installation.
So much time and care goes into each piece, standing back and appreciating the final work, hanging in its intended interior space, is rewarding for the entire team.
"Clients come to us for our professional approach, and tenacity for exceptional quality in custom art."
Want Making-of Photos?
Each project takes hundreds of hours to complete, and every step of the process is documented and shared in our Portfolio section.
See How It's Made