hand carved surrealism

Untitled (2008), dimensional lumber (2×4′s), 82″ x 18″ x 12″
Untitled (2008), dimensional lumber (2×4′s), 82″ x 18″ x 12″

Based in Richmond, Virginia artist Morgan Herrin transforms the most humble material—laminated construction grade 2x4s—into spectacularly detailed figurative sculptures. His choice of imagery is surreal: a noble 15th century knight melts into a network of dripping stalagmites or a classical marble bust that is overgrown with parasitic sea creatures. The resulting works are a fascinating juxtaposition of material and subject matter that require hundreds of hours of working with hand tools to construct each piece. The meticulous sculptor says:

“I immerse myself in the subject matter of my work. Often, several very different forms combine to create one physical object. My process is ultimately a result of the combination of my fascination with figurative sculpture of the past and obsessive research into a subject. I reference the passage of time and its effect on art in terms of both physical change and change in viewer perception.”

Learn more about Herrin’s work at ADA Gallery, and Mulherin + Pollard. All images courtesy ADA Gallery.

Untitled (2008), dimensional lumber (2×4′s), 82″ x 18″ x 12″
Untitled (2008), dimensional lumber (2×4′s), 82″ x 18″ x 12″

Copper Gate (2011), wood, 32″ x 19″ x 12″
Copper Gate (2011), wood, 32″ x 19″ x 12″

Copper Gate (2011), wood, 32″ x 19″ x 12″
Copper Gate (2011), wood, 32″ x 19″ x 12″

Untitled (Knight)
Untitled (Knight)

Untitled (Knight)
Untitled (Knight)

“Globe” 2010, Pine 2×4′s, Figure is life-size.
“Globe” 2010, Pine 2×4′s, Figure is life-size.

“Globe” 2010, Pine 2×4′s, Figure is life-size.
“Globe” 2010, Pine 2×4′s, Figure is life-size.

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Untitled (detail) , 2007-2008

herrin-9
Untitled (detail) , 2007-2008

[via Juxtapoz]

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Tom Foerstel : Founder & President

Tom Foerstel

Founder & President

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 60’s, Tom developed a strong desire to create positive change for people and planet.

He went on to pursue his passion for art and design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and worked for design firms in Southern California before moving to Boise, Idaho in the early 80’s. Foerstel Design opened its doors in 1985. Since its inception, the firm has cultivated a bold, happy, forward-looking team focussed on creating distinct and effective work on behalf of their clients.

An integral part of Tom’s philosophy is giving back to the community in which he lives — a company cornerstone that drives Foerstel’s long history of providing pro-bono services to local non-profit humanitarian and arts programs.

One of Tom’s proudest personal achievements is his ability to say Supercalifragilisticexpyalidocious backwards.