Hyperrealistic wood carving by Fraser Smith
‘American Jacket’ Carved wood & mixed media, 2010. Hyperrealistic wood carving by Fraser Smith
The art technique creating the optical illusion is known as Trompe-l’oeil. American wood carver from Florida Fraser Smith has mastered this technique to perfection. Hyperrealistic wood carving by Fraser Smith is so deceiving that viewers when looking at these sculptures, can not believe it’s not a real cloth. The artist himself says – “I might be the only person in the world that does what I do, but there’s probably a really good reason for that”. At each exhibition he is dealing with the same cry: “Wow, is it really made of wood?”. Yes, it is – Fraser carves all his works from the soft wood stains and oil paints. Fraser himself believes, that it is not even accurate simulation of textile, but simply human psychology. Coming to the exhibition the viewer sees the jacket and automatically thinks about it as a jacket made of textile, nothing else. But when they find out that it is a wood painted clothing, the brains reconfigures, and here comes the surprise.
‘The Lake’. Carved wood & silk dyes. Hyperrealistic wood carving by American artist Fraser Smith
Visual deception is possible not only due to the precise matching color and texture of the material, but also due to the natural folds, and the presence of small parts – scuffs, seams, defects and porosity. Towels, sheets, jackets, T-shirts – all possible analogues of traditional material in all respects, so it is not surprising that the sculptures are often confused with the kind of clothing
Work in progress
Wood carving process
Basket ball wood carving in progress:
Basket ball. Hyperrealistic wood carving by Fraser Smith
Basket ball. Hyperrealistic wood carving by Fraser Smith
Basket ball. Hyperrealistic wood carving by Fraser Smith
Basket ball. Hyperrealistic wood carving by Fraser Smith
’30’. Carved wood & Silk dyes closeup. Hyperrealistic wood carving by Fraser Smith
’30’. Carved wood & Silk dyes. Hyperrealistic wood carving by Fraser Smith
‘A Fool’s Errand’ Carved wood, silk dyes & mixed media, 2008
‘Calypso’. Carved wood & Silk dyes. closeup
‘Calypso’. Carved wood & Silk dyes. Hyperrealistic wood carving by American artist Fraser Smith
‘Floating’. Carved wood & Watercolor. Museum of the American Quilter’s Society
‘Improv 7’ Carved wood & Silk dyes. Hyperrealistic wood carving by American artist Fraser Smith
‘Live to Ride’. Carved wood, silk dyes & mixed media, 1995. Hyperrealistic wood carving by American artist Fraser Smith
‘Sampler 3’. Carved wood & Watercolor. Hyperrealistic wood carving by American artist Fraser Smith
‘The Bridge Painter’s Coat’ Carved wood, oil stain & mixed media, 2009. Hyperrealistic wood carving by American artist Fraser Smith
‘The First Quilted Robe of the Reclusive Eccentric’. Carved wood, silk dyes & mixed media, 2010. Hyperrealistic wood carving by American artist Fraser Smith
