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.
1. Gabriel Schama
Cutting and gluing layer upon layer of designs from wood, Gabriel Schama (with the help of his laser cutter, Elsie) creates mesmerizing three-dimensional artworks. Often, his designs start as intricate drawings before being transformed into three-dimensional 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 art 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 and exclusive company patterns from wood that an ordinary contractor couldn’t execute. Lightwave Laser collaborates on custom projects to create unique 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. Rogue Journals
On a significantly smaller scale, Rogue Journals creates laser-cut wooden bookmarks as detailed as Schama’s and Lightwave’s large-scale pieces. These delicate creations use wood’s ability to be both smoothly cut and engraved to portray detailed images within a mere 5″ x 1.25″ area. Again, these complex works could not exist without the innovation of laser technology.
4. Big Secret
Big Secret is one secret that every laser fan should know. Their precise laser cuts contribute 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 collaborations and some of their own in-house creations. The above baseball bat, designed by Kevin Cantrell and Juan Carlos Pagan, is just one of their beautiful collaborative works.
5. Eric Standley
Eric Standley’s laser-cut paper art is a remarkable fusion of precision, creativity, and innovation. Known for his intricate designs inspired by Gothic and Islamic architecture, Standley pushes the boundaries of laser technology to create multi-layered, three-dimensional paper sculptures that captivate the imagination.
Eric Standley: “I want to break down the barriers between what is craft, what is art, what is technology.”
His work blends craftsmanship with modern techniques, using a laser cutter to carve hundreds of layers of paper into highly detailed, complex forms. By blurring the lines between craft, art, and technology, Standley redefines what’s possible in contemporary art, offering viewers a glimpse into the future of artistic expression.
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
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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 these posters are more or less environmentally conscious than paper, rest assured that SpaceWolf personally plants a tree for every poster sold.
9. Sarah Mimo
Sarah Mimo’s laser-cut clocks are a stunning combination of artistry and functionality. Inspired by intricate architectural elements and traditional clockmaking, Mimo uses laser technology to carve delicate and complex designs into wood, transforming everyday timepieces into works of art. Each clock is a testament to her meticulous attention to detail, showcasing patterns that echo Gothic cathedrals, rose windows, and Art Deco influences. By fusing modern laser-cutting techniques with timeless design, Mimo creates clocks that are functional and elevate the aesthetic of any space, blending precision with beauty in every piece.
10. Martin Tomsky
Martin Tomsky’s wood art transports viewers into intricate, layered fantasy worlds where each piece tells a unique story. Using laser cutting techniques, Tomsky creates detailed wooden sculptures featuring mythical creatures, landscapes, and whimsical narratives. His work often spans multiple layers, giving the artwork a three-dimensional effect that invites observers to explore the hidden details. Whether it’s a sprawling forest scene or a fantastical beast, Tomsky’s creations blend craftsmanship with storytelling, making his wood sculptures a captivating fusion of art and imagination.
The Art of Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a versatile technique that opens many possibilities for artists and designers. The process involves using a high-powered laser to cut and engrave wood, metal, and glass. This method allows for unparalleled precision and accuracy, making it ideal for creating intricate designs and patterns. The beauty of laser cutting lies in its customization potential, enabling creators to experiment with different materials and techniques. Whether you’re crafting detailed wood panels or sleek metal jewelry, laser cutting offers a unique way to bring your artistic visions to life.
Business and Cost Considerations
Starting a laser cutting business can be a cost-effective entry into the market, with relatively low initial investments in equipment and materials. However, the cost of laser cutting services can vary widely based on the complexity of the design, the material used, and the project’s size. To ensure your business remains competitive, it’s crucial to research the market and understand the associated costs. Consider material expenses, labor, and equipment maintenance when pricing your services. By carefully managing these elements, you can offer competitive rates while maintaining high-quality output.
Expert Insights
Industry experts agree that the demand for laser cutting services is rising, driven by the growing need for customized and precision-cut materials. Staying up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques is essential to thrive in this industry. Investing in high-quality equipment and materials ensures your work meets the highest standards, setting you apart from the competition. Building solid relationships with clients and understanding their needs is crucial for success. By focusing on these critical areas, you can position yourself as a leader in the laser-cutting industry and capitalize on the increasing demand for these services.
Bonus: Obrary
Obrary (short for open library) is a maker’s new best friend. If you operate a commercial laser service, you might like their Shopping Configurator software, which helps customers see dynamic mock-ups of their personalized product to be assured their order will be accurate. If you like to make things, you’ll enjoy their 100+ free design templates and video tutorials gathered from across the Internet. These tutorials focus on laser cutting wood to make items like a working microscope, lamp, or padlock, to name a few. Our favorites of their collected designs utilize living hinges – laser cut Baltic Birch (yes, it has to be Baltic Birch) that allows the wood to become highly flexible. The Alex chair above, designed by Alex Zhang, uses a living hinge to create a seat and back from a single piece of wood.
2 Comments
Thanks for featuring my site on your blog 🙂
Thanks for making awesome stuff!
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