Wood has been a popular medium for creating art throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, artists have used wood as a canvas or material to create beautiful and meaningful works of art. In this article, we will explore the use of wood as an art medium and some of the most famous works of art created using this versatile material....
The Art Media Wood
Wood has been a popular medium for creating art throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, artists have used wood as a canvas or material to create beautiful and meaningful works of art. In this article, we will explore the use of wood as an art medium and some of the most famous works of art created using this versatile material.
History of Wood as an Art Medium
Wood has been used for thousands of years for fuel, as a construction material, for making tools and weapons, furniture and paper. More recently it emerged as a feedstock for the production of purified cellulose and its derivatives, such as cellophane and cellulose acetate. As of 2020, the growing stock of forests worldwide was about 557 billion cubic meters. As an abundant, carbon-neutral renewable resource, woody materials have been of intense interest as a source of renewable energy. In 2008, approximately 3.97 billion cubic meters of wood were harvested. Dominant uses were for furniture and building construction.
A 2011 discovery in the Canadian province of New Brunswick yielded the earliest known plants to have grown wood, approximately 395 to 400 million years ago. Wood can be dated by carbon dating and in some species by dendrochronology to determine when a wooden object was created.
People have used wood for thousands of years for many purposes, including as a fuel or as a construction material for making houses, tools, weapons, furniture, packaging, artworks, and paper. Known constructions using wood date back ten thousand years. Buildings like the longhouses in Neolithic Europe were made primarily of wood.
Recent use of wood has been enhanced by the addition of steel and bronze into construction. The year-to-year variation in tree-ring widths and isotopic abundances gives clues to the prevailing climate at the time a tree was cut.
Types of Wood Art
There are many different types of wood art, including sculpture, painting, carving, and furniture making. Some artists use wood as their primary medium, while others incorporate it into mixed media works.
Wood sculptures can range from small figurines to large-scale installations. Wood is a versatile material that can be carved, sanded, and polished to create smooth surfaces or left rough for a more natural look. Some artists use wood in combination with other materials, such as metal or glass, to create intricate and visually striking pieces.
Wood paintings are created by applying paint or other pigments to a wooden surface. This can be done using traditional painting techniques, such as oil or acrylic, or more experimental methods, such as burning or staining the wood. Wood paintings can range from small panels to large murals and can be displayed in galleries, museums, or private collections.
Wood carvings are created by cutting and shaping a piece of wood using knives, chisels, or other tools. This can be done freehand or with the use of templates or patterns. Wood carvings can range from simple decorative pieces to complex narrative sculptures.
Furniture making is another popular form of wood art. Furniture makers create functional objects, such as tables, chairs, and beds, that are also aesthetically pleasing. Wood furniture can be made in a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary, and can be decorated with carvings, inlays, or other embellishments.
Famous Works of Wood Art
There are many famous works of wood art that have been created throughout history. Here are just a few examples:
- Three ages by Fedir Krychevsky (Nikanor Onatsky Regional Art Museum in Sumy, Ukraine) - This painting features three figures, each representing a different stage of life, standing in a wooded landscape. The use of wood as the canvas adds a natural and organic feel to the piece.
- Ostrovenka suburbs by Nicholas Roerich (The State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia) - This painting depicts a rural scene with houses and trees made of wood. The use of wood as the primary medium adds texture and depth to the piece.
- Art by Jacek Malczewski (70 x 98 cm) - This painting features a figure standing in a wooded landscape, holding a paintbrush. The use of wood as the canvas adds a rustic and earthy quality to the piece.
- Yaroslavl. Entrance to the St. Nicholas Wet Church by Nicholas Roerich (The State Museum of Oriental Art, Moscow, Russia) - This painting depicts a church entrance made of wood, with intricate carvings and details. The use of wood as the primary medium adds authenticity and historical accuracy to the piece.
Conclusion
Wood is a versatile and beautiful medium that has been used for thousands of years to create art. From sculpture to painting, carving to furniture making, there are many different types of wood art that showcase the unique qualities of this material. Whether used as the primary medium or in combination with