From paper and textiles to stone, metal, and acrylic, laser engraving and cutting machines can be used on nearly any material, but one of our favorites to work with is wood. It’s a renewable, biodegradable, timeless, and universal material that’s downright gorgeous in its own right. When spruced up with etched illustrations or custom cut into a unique pattern, wood becomes even more instinctively beautiful and endlessly versatile. Searching for inspiration, we found the following artists and makers doing some pretty incredible things with their laser machines and our favorite material. If you are an artist searching for new ways to make your dream and imagination into reality, please contact us.
1. Gabriel Schama
Cutting and gluing layers of laser-cut art designs from wood, Gabriel Schama (with the help of his laser cutter, Elsie) creates mesmerizing 3D laser-cut artworks. Often, his designs start as intricate drawings before being transformed into 3D artworks using a laser cutter. Ranging from entirely abstract, organic shapes to his more recent portraiture work, Schama utilizes the laser cutter not just to make his process faster or easier but to open up his full range of abilities. Although he creates his laser-cut artwork with the help of a machine, Schama’s technique is inherently handcrafted.
2. Lightwave Laser
Utilizing laser precision, Ron Macken of Lightwave Laser can create custom designs project and exclusive company patterns from laser-cut wood that an ordinary contractor couldn’t execute. Lightwave Laser collaborates on custom projects to create unique laser-cutting designs tailored to specific requirements, offering a range of customizable options for both personal and commercial applications. Coming from a background on the engineering side of laser technology, Macken’s artistic pursuits have seen various applications in commercial businesses and private homes. Hotels, restaurants, bars, retail stores, and mosques sport Lightwave Laser panels as wall dividers, external and internal wall decorations, doors, and lighting fixtures.
3. Joshua Abarbanel
One standout artist in the world of laser-cut wood art is Joshua Abarbanel, whose intricate and mesmerizing designs push the boundaries of what’s possible with lasered wood. Abarbanel’s work blends organic and geometric forms, creating intricate, layered patterns that mimic the complexity of nature.
Using laser cutting techniques, he achieves extraordinary precision, transforming wood into stunning, 3D laser art pieces that captivate the viewer. His creations are visually striking and invite contemplation, highlighting the perfect union between technology and craftsmanship in modern art.
4. Big Secret
Big Secret is one secret that every laser fan should know. Their laser engraving art contributes to the precision and artistry of their collaborative works. The laser and design company assists at any stage of the making process – in their own words – “from design and development to fabrication and finishing.” Their website is full of mind-blowing, award-winning laser-cutting art collaborations and some of their in-house laser etching art creations. The above baseball bat, designed by Kevin Cantrell and Juan Carlos Pagan, is just one of their beautiful collaborative works.
5. Stay Gold Co
Stay Gold Co makes tattoo art-inspired t-shirts, stickers, phone cases, and plug-style earrings. Their products are only available for limited periods, but they currently have 13 beautiful, laser-etched, wooden earring designs for sale. These Super Flower Plugs are by far the most intricate. This pair of earrings – available as small as 12 mm in diameter – highlights a laser machine’s ability to create incredibly detailed texture, with some seriously impressive, minuscule carved portions.
6. Anila Quayyum Agha
This one might look familiar to our fellow Michiganders. Mixed media artist Anila Quayyum Agha swept away the competition with this 2014 Art Prize winner, Intersections. If you experienced this work in person, then you know the feeling of amazement over how such a simple construction, perfectly executed, entirely transformed the interior space. The work was so stunning that it inspired a somewhat impromptu marriage proposal. Agha’s still creating sophisticated patterns with laser machines, now opting for steel or paper, but this original piece was made from wood.
7. Carved Lake Art
With another series that’s probably familiar if you’re from Michigan, Carved Lake Art creates striking 3D nautical maps. Their collections span the Great Lakes, various states’ inland lakes, Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and some international waters. The works are made by stacking up to 8 layers of laser-cut Baltic Birch – which seems to be the ideal choice of plywood for laser machines. The layers are also engraved with topographical details, again demonstrating wood’s ability to cut and engrave in beautiful detail.
8. SpaceWolf Limited
SpaceWolf is an illustrator, printmaker, and woodworker who creates minimal edition wooden posters, illustrating his love for sci-fi and pop culture. He is known only by the mysterious moniker. With his absolute mastery of the laser machine, he pulls off the most impeccably smooth shading we’ve ever seen. Often based on movies, TV shows, or books, by using cherry wood as his material of choice, SpaceWolf’s work redefines the idea of what a poster is. If you’re concerned about whether or not these posters are more or less environmentally conscious than paper, rest assured that SpaceWolf personally plants a tree for every poster sold.
9. Eric Standley
Eric Standley, renowned for his intricate laser-cut artworks, pushes the boundaries of creativity with his mesmerizing wood designs. Inspired by historical architectural elements, his work features layers upon layers of precisely cut wood, creating stunningly complex and detailed structures that feel almost alive. His mastery of laser technology allows him to explore new dimensions in fine art, producing pieces that evoke the intricacies of stained glass windows and Gothic cathedrals. Standley’s dedication to precision and depth transforms wood into something beyond its natural state, making him a standout in laser artistry.
10. Sara Mino
Sarah Mimo is a master of blending artistry and function with her stunning laser-cut clocks. Inspired by architectural elements such as Gothic cathedrals and rose windows, her intricate designs transform ordinary timepieces into works of art. Mimo’s use of laser technology allows her to carve delicate and flowing patterns into wood, creating clocks that are not only functional but also breathtakingly beautiful. Her attention to detail and commitment to precision result in pieces that echo Art Deco influences and traditional clockmaking, making her one of the most innovative artists in the laser-cutting world.
Featured Artist: Tord Boontje
Tord Boontje is a renowned artist and designer who has been pushing the boundaries of laser cutting for over two decades. His work is a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, resulting in intricate and delicate designs that captivate the eye. Boontje’s mastery of laser cutting allows him to create complex patterns and shapes that would be impossible to achieve by hand. His creations have been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, earning him a reputation as a leading figure in laser cutting. Boontje’s innovative approach inspires and influences the art and design community.
New Innovative Tools: To Go Where No Laser Artistry Has Gone Before:
Ride Design Allows You To Engrave an Existing Floor Directly.
New Low-Rider Laser Cutting Machines open doors to create artists on large-size laser engraved 3D artworks, such as furniture, outdoor features, public landscaping, and architectural structures.
We haven’t found any laser-engraved art online in this arena. Could you imagine large-size laser-etched artwork on doors, park benches, and garden features?
The beauty of laser cutting lies in its customization potential, enabling creators to experiment with different materials and techniques. Whether crafting detailed wood panels or sleek metal jewelry, laser cutting uniquely brings your artistic visions to life.
Unique and Stylish Laser Cut Art
Laser-cut art is a unique and stylish way to add a personal touch to any space. With the precision of a laser cutter, artists can create intricate designs and patterns in various materials, including wood, metal, and acrylic. This technology opens up endless possibilities for custom projects, allowing creators to craft everything from delicate jewelry to striking decorative items and functional objects.
The beauty of laser cutting lies in its ability to produce complex designs with unparalleled accuracy. Artists and designers can experiment with different materials and techniques to achieve stunning effects through engraving, cutting, or marking. This versatility makes laser-cut art popular for those looking to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship.
Whether you want to create a statement piece for your home or a unique gift for a loved one, laser cut art offers a stylish and personalized solution. The precision and detail achievable with laser cutting technology ensure that each piece is an actual work of art, reflecting the skill and vision of its creator.
Displaying and Preserving Laser Cut Art
Displaying laser-cut art requires careful consideration to showcase its unique qualities. Depending on the material and design, laser-cut art can be displayed on a wall, a shelf, or a glass case. Each display method highlights different aspects of the artwork, allowing its intricate details to shine.
When handling laser cut art, it’s crucial to wear gloves to prevent oils from your skin from damaging the material. This is especially important for pieces made from wood or metal, which can be sensitive to fingerprints and other contaminants. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your laser-cut art remains pristine for years.
Protecting laser-cut art from environmental factors is essential to preserving its beauty. Keep your pieces away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures to prevent damage and fading. Applying a clear coat or varnish can also help protect the artwork, ensuring its longevity.
Conclusion
Laser-cutting technology has revolutionized art, allowing artists to create intricate designs and patterns with precision and accuracy. Using a laser cutter, artists can bring their visions to life through custom projects, such as jewelry, decorative items, and functional objects. Laser-cut art is a unique and stylish way to add a personal touch to any space, and its versatility makes it a popular choice for artists and designers.
Understanding the process of laser cutting and how to display and preserve laser-cut art is essential for appreciating its beauty and complexity. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or collector, laser-cut art offers an exciting and innovative way to create and appreciate unique and stylish pieces. Embrace the possibilities of laser cutting technology and let your creativity shine.
If you want to know if AP Lazer can realize your dream and imagination of being the first in large-format laser engraving and cutting artistry, please schedule a demo with us.
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