just like a real life boy...

Sometimes the inspiration for a post comes from the strangest places. Believe me when I say you wouldn't want to see inside the head of Queen Michelle and I. The way our brains make connections can be weird and wonderful.

Todays post came after I saw a clip of Pinnochio last week, which served to remind me that I had still not shared the wonderful wooden work of Italian sculptor Bruno Walpoth.

Bruno Walpoth creates intriguing human sculptures made of wood. The textural imperfections of the sculptures give a figurative spirit to the trees from which it came. Walpoth uses semi-translucent paint to coat his works, ensuring that the wood grains stay visible. There is a sense of life and humanity in the figures which often seem quite pensive and deep in thought.
Having grown up with a lineage of grandfathers and an uncle who were distinguished woodcarvers, Walpoth has eagerly chosen to follow their practice, incorporating his own contemporary ideas to the craft. Inspired by all forms of art that lie beyond wood carving and sculptures, Walpoth approaches solid slabs of wood with a creative outlook, transforming them into intricately detailed figures in the likeness of men and women.

From Bressanone-Brixen in South Tyrol, Italy, the talented woodcarver was recognized early in life for his artistic talents, beginning a five-year apprenticeship to master carver Vicenzo Mussner at the age of 14. At 19, he began a six-year course of study with Hans Ladmer at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Munich, Germany, which Walpoth describes as crucial years in his career.

Wood is a natural material. It feels good. It smells good. It can be designed in so many ways, especially in regard to processing and finishing its surfaces. It requires knowledge of the grain that can only be acquired through years of direct experience. 

Strange, wonderful and just like real life boys and girls...

Queen Marie