The Transformational Process

Frank’s passion for transformation is seen in his ability to innovate,
taking something plebeian and turning it into something unexpected and familiar.

As he does in therapy, restoring a patient’s natural way of doing things, so they are more themselves, Frank’s passion for art takes the same approach.

He is fascinated by the grains of layered plywood. Seeing the variance in the grains carry through the elongated pieces. The natural coloring creates movement and depth.

Burlwood is a favorite medium. It is actually an arial root that grows on the tree above ground. As it grows it curls back on itself. The result is natural twists and turns in the colors and grains. An organic texture that can take a piece in many different directions.

Whether it’s a scavenged branch or layers of plywood, Frank let’s the natural wood speak to him.

Rabbit

(Burlwood)

“This is a great example of letting the natural wood do the work. This burlwood was already so beautiful.

When I choose a piece of burlwood I spend time with the raw wood, turning it in my hands to see what it will unveil to me…something familiar with the potential for transformation.

I used an epoxy resin to create accentuate the edges and enhance the shape.”

Strengthening and shaping the natural beauty

Flowers

(Walnut and Mahogany)

“I take as much of the natural wood as possible and then just accentuate it. This piece began as a scavenged tree branch that looked like flowers.

I added vibrant colors to bring the image to life.”

Stingray

(Layered Plywood)

Plywood, once a tree, can be transformed to return it to a state of beauty. Yet plywood is a medium not many artists tap into.

The marks in the Stingray are the glue that hold the layers of wood together. Using a dark colored glue, the curvature of the shapes are emphasized when cut at an angle to reveal the dark striations…something you don’t get with other mediums.

There is an unpredictability to the process. When you start to shape it you don’t know how the patterns will show through. Most of the interesting things that happen in wood sculpting are accidental.

Letting the beauty of the layers come to life