The same heart, different bones — from collage to hand carved architectural sculpture
I’ve been thinking a lot about changing tools. For me, it doesn’t feel like starting over, more like speaking the same language with a different body. This project wasn’t collage on paper, yet the process felt familiar — five panels, pieces of wood, each shaped little by little, day after day. I didn’t have a sketch or plan. I carved a bit here, added a bit there, stepped back, checked what worked, what was missing. It was almost like the wood was talking back — guiding me, surprising me, letting me play. I was following intuition, letting the work itself speak, just like I do in collage.
When we removed the 1980s fireplace from our 1960s Mid-Century Modern home, we found raw red brick hiding behind it. The middle was gone, leaving an empty space that begged for something personal instead of a replacement.
I envisioned an architectural sculpture that could live in that space naturally. Inspired by Portland artist Leroy Setziol, whose work I’ve admired for years, I began shaping a cohesive piece that would belong to the house and to us. The project grew bigger than I expected. Dust everywhere, sore hands, doubts, bursts of excitement. I asked my husband to carve one of the five panels because I wanted it to carry both of us. Several visits to Woodcrafters in Portland guided us through technical details and finishes, almost like living in the store. Without their support, this would have stayed only an idea — I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped.
Working with wood for the first time taught me more than technique. Patience, collaboration, and how spaces carry stories became real lessons. Every step of carving, sanding, adjusting, deepened my respect for woodworkers and for the materials themselves. Years ago, I never imagined moving beyond collage. Yet now I see that method and intuition can travel from paper to wood, or any medium, while keeping the same heart. I believe, style isn’t about look; it’s about presence. I hope when someone sees this panel, they can feel that it’s still me inside it.
Materials & Techniques: basswood panels, hand carving, custom finishes.
Special thanks to Mark, whose patience, skill, and engagement made this project possible. I’m certain it wouldn’t be finished without him.
