A composition of simple forms on a rugged slab of Box Elder, immediately became one of our favorite residential art commissions. Specified with no back lighting on this traditional landscape, the highlighted Teton range at sunset, and moody sky are captured by layers of colored epoxy resin and dozens of custom stains. Every detail in this small format, from the natural knots and voids in the wood, to the shimmering surface of the valley river, was carefully planned into the design, and patiently crafted.
The images below describe some of the many fabrication steps that created this piece.
After the wood slab is prepped into its rough shape, topography and art lines are transferred to the surface.Outlining forms in the design with fine grain brushes helps to prevent different stain colors from bleeding into each other.CAD plans and approved design comps are carefully followed, and stain pens are color tested on an off-cut of the wood species for best color match.Live edges are pre-stained before skies, voids and rivers are cast in epoxy.This piece features mixed media, including crushed walnut shell and coal, agates and amethyst, for added realism in the river bed.A base layer of epoxy lays the foundation for sky color and layout, seals the wood slab, and stabilizes loose mixed media.The middle layer builds up volume in the sky and river, and allows clouds to take on three-dimensional shape.Cloud highlights of pearlescent white and gold are added with each layer of the epoxy sky; the outcome is always unique.Even hot magenta is added to capture just the right mountain sunset colors.Each layer of epoxy takes about seven days to fully cure, requiring patience and planning.Middle ground trees are carved from Maple burl veneer, selected specifically for its tight curls of natural grain and light warm color.Layers of delicate Maple burl veneer trees are hand-colored with custom green stains.One final layer of epoxy brings the river up to volume and allows for surface shimmer of metallic pigment to be drizzled into place.Prairie grass is wire brushed into the middle ground as the composition’s perspective is built from back to front.Foreground shadows are stained into Maple burl veneer bushes and layers of prairie grass.A final top coat of thin-pour epoxy seals the entire piece in an ultra smooth finish and encases delicate surface details.The piece is wrapped and delivered to WoodLab for the client reveal; a very exciting day, many months in preparation.Artistic lighting and final photography was provided by Nick Allen Photography.Angled final shot, showcasing the piece’s unique layers and raw wood edge, creating amazing grain detail and surface texture.Matt, David and Tim pose with Teton & River Views. Photography by Nick Allen Photography.
