REMARKABLE MINIATURE LANDSCAPES CARVED FROM WOOD BY KEISUKE TANAKA
image courtesy Yamamoto Gendai
While researching a number of posts this week I stumbled upon the work of sculptor Keisuke Tanaka. Taking large blocks of wood, Tanaka meticulously whittles them down – occasionally preserving the original surface while sometimes leaving no trace at all – to reveal a blend of realistic and imaginary landscapes.
The result is dynamic wooden sculptures that often depict forests, mountains and clouds, reaching high towards the sky. At times almost pagoda-like, the wooden sculptures aren’t without spiritual imagery. A small temple, nestled within the busy landscape, is a reoccurring motif in Tanaka’s work. His curvy, rhythmical clouds are also reminiscent of ancient legends and fairytales that would feature gods and deities.
image courtesy Yamamoto Gendai
left image courtesy Yamamoto Gendai; right image courtesy G-tokio | click to enlarge
Tanaka uses a variety of wood, from camphor to maidenhair, and then colors in his landscapes using acrylics.
image courtesy fukuhen | click to enlarge
image courtesy fukuhen (detail shot of above) | click to enlarge
image courtesy Yamamoto Gendai
image courtesy Yamamoto Gendai
