Welcome to the Contemporary Wood Art Renaissance, where the ancient and majestic practice of carved wood art is experiencing a revival this year. A highly diverse art form, wood art teeters a delicate equilibrium from romantic to homely, unique yet ancient. Our team of specialised researchers have sought out and assembled the most talented woodcraft artisans who are not only preserving this art form but also pushing its boundaries. Selected for their ingenuity, talent, refinement, and skill, these artists represent the epitome of craftsmanship in the wood art medium. Within the following pieces, you will encounter a diverse range of creations that demonstrate the potential of wood as an art form: from oak feature walls to shifting kinetic wood sculptures, each work represents a harmonious fusion of man and nature.
Artelier Art Consultancy
At Artelier, we have many years of industry expertise, working with professional artists who create wooden art designs for a range of clientele. As highly-experienced art consultants, our curatorial team is well versed to assess your specific needs and present the highest quality wooden art to you for your discretion. If you've been dreaming of an intricate wooden feature wall to make your space more sophisticated or utilise the soothing effects of wood to display some handmade wood wall art - we can help. If you are interested in carved wood for your home, public art space or commercial project, contact us today to discuss your requirements. We look forward to hearing from you!
A Brief History of Wood Design
Throughout a fascinating history that spans over 14,000 years, wood carving has left an indelible mark across diverse cultures. Although its exact origins remain ambiguous, we now have the privilege of immersing ourselves in a myriad of wood artworks, each reflecting the spirit of the maker or society. Take, for instance, African wooden masks, often mixed with natural materials such as raffia or feathers, which are crafted with spiritual intentions. Meanwhile, holy wood carvings also dominated much of North Africa's religious sites, boasting intricate reliefs, revered for their enduring beauty and intricate design. Later, in Europe, we find wood artists gracing their artistry onto choir stalls and rood screens, creating exquisitely fine, delicate carvings during the Gothic Period. Wooden art and sculpture is an integral part of our cultural heritage, leaving an everlasting impression on both humanity and nature, intertwined in harmonious synergy. In the age of technology and screen dominance, it comes as no surprise that we are witnessing its renaissance, breathing new life into this timeless art form.
Top: An Andalusian Carved Wooden Frieze, North Africa, 12th/13th cent (Christie's)
Left: Wood Mask repatriated to Africa by Sindika Dokolo
Right: Choir Stalls of Notre Dame Cathedral
1. Wood Mosaic Tiles
Who said wood art ever had to be static or dull? We have sourced a woodcraft art form that recalls movement, air, and even the ripples of the ocean: wood mosaic tiles. This work is specifically popular for adding a touch of sophistication to an otherwise stultifying corporate space. One of our artist wall artists is leading the way in this style, with his intuitive cutting and assembling of timber wood tiles into rippling surfaces. His technique is intuitive, evoking movement as its central feature. Each block is hand-carved, hand-shaped instinctively, according to the grain and surface of the material. This process transforms hefty blocks of wood into unique geometric wood art designs, transcending from plain surfaces into a sophisticated patchwork of browns, blacks and off-whites: the untarnished, unaffected colours of wood of the natural world. This method can be used for a wooden feature wall, or otherwise more broadly to hang as 3D wall art in any site of your choosing: its aesthetic is timeless and inoffensive to nearly all spaces. If you're looking for expert advice on where to situate this contemporary wood design, then please don't hesitate to get in touch so we can advise you on the best outcome for your vision.
2. Abstract Wood Sculpture
Equally aesthetically pleasing, but suitable as more of a featured piece, abstract wood sculpture stands distinguished by its innovative use of line, breathing life into the very core of the wood. This artist, with his deft skill and intuitive touch, carves and shapes the wood sculptures, bringing to fruition wooden sculptures that seems to dance with the very essence of its nature. What sets this wood craft art form apart is its captivating use of relief, creating a three-dimensional wonder that defies conventional boundaries. As light and shadows play upon its surface, the wood relief carving patterns of the sculptures come alive, casting intriguing patterns from these often geometric wood art designs, shifting and evolving with the changing angle of vision.
Another one of our chosen artists specialises in site-specific work for hotel, residential or public art projects. His contemporary relief sculptures are great wood sculptures for gardens, and one of the epitomal trending wood craft designs for this year, for their unique and organic approach to abstract sculpture. His use of pattern is playful and reflective of nature, blending into their environments by taking into consideration sustainable art material as well as the impact of light and shadow on the wood craft artworks.
Public Art: Commission in Wood
3. Wood Feature Wall
Wooden feature walls are increasingly popular, favoured for how they are largely able to become seamless extensions of their surrounding environments, such as the ones shown below created by one of our Artist Wall artists. Celebrities have favoured this option for their home, with wooden feature walls infusing the living areas with a touch of rustic charm or contemporary allure, depending on the wood's finish and design, whilst the natural beauty of the wood art design adds a calming element to any room.
Meanwhile, in the corporate world, these walls speak volumes about the company's ethos and style; whether it's a modern office or a traditional workspace, carved wooden panels such as this artist's work offer a refined backdrop that fosters productivity and a welcoming atmosphere for clients and employees alike.
In the hotel sphere, the rich and inviting textures are popular for bedrooms and living areas, beckonung visitors to indulge in the comfort of their surroundings, creating a memorable experience that lingers long after departure.
4. Sustainable Carved Wood Wall Art
These wood relief sculptures find their rightful place adorning walls for the minimalist art collector. The interplay of natural textures and abstract forms imparts a sense of depth and dimension, inviting viewers to explore the intricacies of the sculpted wood. Our carefully selected carved wood artist makes handmade wood art etched in idiosyncratic wood relief carving patterns, becoming increasingly popular for hotel spaces.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these wooden masterpieces serve as a gentle reminder of the need to protect our planet. Sourced from wood from the forest local to his studio so that he may truly connect with his environment, the wood used in this art form embodies a deeper purpose – to minimise the impact on our environment while maximising the beauty it imparts.
5. Kinetic Wood Sculpture
Last but certainly not least, is the growing popularity of David C. Roy's kinetic wood art. Each piece is a testament to the artist's deep appreciation for the harmonious balance between form and movement. With an engineer's precision and an artist's touch, Roy weaves together wood and metal, creating geometric wood art wonders that leave onlookers spellbound. As these kinetic wood sculptures come to life, they awaken a sense of wonder and awe within us, mimicing the gentle sway of leaves in the wind, the mesmerising rhythm of ocean waves, or the intricacies of celestial orbits. As with all wood arts we have seen - yet here more sharply - nature's dance is artfully captured in each piece, bringing a sense of serenity and contemplation to those who behold them.
Images: David C. Roy ©
Need Some advice?
From polished carved wood sculptures, wooden feature walls that fill up your space with the natural world, to abstract driftwood art sourced locally, our curators will work with you to hand-select a suitable artwork for your project. Whether it's art for your corporate office space, public art or residential interior designs, our team at Artelier has years of experience with sourcing artwork for a range of clients, handling all the logistics, including framing and installation. Why not get in touch for a free consultation? Our team of curators can put together an extensive proposal, seeing the project through to the final installation.
