It’s a challenge to convey the animated lives of relief sculptures in a single photograph. This post aims to show some of the fleeting moments that bring the work and the studio to life, especially some of those that don’t make it into the portfolios that get seen.

Carvings are always looking for brilliant light sources to play with, bringing their dimensionality to a deeper level where the illusion becomes even more convincing and the mind starts to fill in colors and forms on its own.

Video still images from a rapid carbonization process with a small torch. The flame provides an unambiguous finish, making a statement of composition and proportion. Maximizing contrast naturally enhances certain attributes at the expense of others, as in the case of visual impact over detail in this case.

Light changes everything!
Freshly oiled carving on Jelutong, a bright tropical hardwood, colored with handmade cochineal stain and charred.

Light changes everything again!
Warm artificial light contrasting with reflected daylight, bringing it to life.

Link here to purchase original carvings by David Heskin.