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Design Inspiration - Industrial design / product design blog > Lighting > SplitGrain – Minimalist Wood Sculpture Fine Art Wood Sculpture on Illuminated Glass Core

SplitGrain – Minimalist Wood Sculpture Fine Art Wood Sculpture on Illuminated Glass Core

ILLUMINATED SCULPTURE This illuminated sculpture reveals the elemental form and grain in a piece of reclaimed California Incense Cedar. Fascinating details and hidden beauty are revealed from light emitting from the center of the sculpture, flowing out from each individual slice suspended on a thin aluminum armature. The warm light traces the contours of the wood capturing beautiful patterns from all angles. THIS PIECE This piece is small table top reclaimed cedar light sculpture (see below about this wood) with a deep crease along one of its sides. Illuminated from within with a single LED it’s grain patterns are revealed through its simple but rugged form. Because it is made from reclaimed cedar it emits a wonderful light aroma when inspected. The piece is finished with a 6 foot black cloth cord, in-line switch and 2 prong plug. 115v AC compatible (also compatible with International voltages). RECLAIMED WOOD The wood for this piece came from a reclaimed California Incense Cedar tree from the Angeles National Forest just north of Los Angeles. An area of this forest was decimated by wildfires in 2009 leaving very little behind. Vegetation was destroyed and most trees were burned. Trees that survived the fire were left at 5,000-6,000 feet elevation and dried standing up with their thick charred bark. This natural drying environment produced a result akin to kiln drying. The National Forest Foundation has been clearing trees from the area as they restore the site, a part of the Treasured Landscape campaign and it was from their work I was allowed to reclaim this beautiful, mildly aromatic wood for my sculptures. MAKING THESE SCULPTURES This is a one-of-a-kind handmade work of art made from an specific piece of reclaimed wood. I begin the process by searching for trunks and limbs from abandoned trees and other sources. After I come across interesting specimens I bring them to my studio and hand select, saw and split each one attempting to find a unique form. When I find a special piece, I further refine it to bring out the details in the overall shape and grain. I use repetition to accentuate the form by slicing the piece which also allows light to escape from the center. The faces are sanded to a fine surface and I finish the piece with clear urethane to protect, but not alter, its natural surface. The piece is custom fit with a warm LED light and I integrate aluminum as a heat sink which also acts as an architectural feature. I take great care throughout the entire process resulting in a piece of refined art still retaining a handmade quality and organic beauty. ARTWORK DIMENSIONS 5″x4.25″x15 (WxDxH)

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