Question 1

How do you make those laser art wall hangings?

Accepted Answer

Time. Patience. Lots of glue. Did I mention patience?

Eacn piece of wall art is a one-of-a-kind endeavor. I first design the 4 to 11 layers on Corel Draw using vector graphics. Once I'm happy with the design, I can preview the color scheme on the monitor. I take my 5'x5' 1/8" Baltic birch wood sheets and cut them down to 18" or 12" squares depending on the size of the final piece. I then paint or stain each panel using the predetermined color schemes chose on the computer. Once the panels are all painted, I cut them out one layer at a time using a 60-watt CO2 laser with an 18"x24" bed. Each layer takes 15 to 45 minutes to cut out. Once they are all cut out and I'm satisfied with the layers, I carefully line up and meticulously glue each layer using Titebond II. I let the glue set inside a jig I designed myself using three four-way pressure clamps. Once the glue is set, I pull the piece out, use dental tools to remove the "glue boogers" from where they don't belong, and repeat the process until it's complete. Once all the layers are glued down, I spray each unique piece with polyurethane. Each one includes a sawtooth hanger, bumpers on the back, and my signature.

Question 2

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Each piece can take up to 30 hours to complete (not including the computer design work, which can take weeks all by itself).

Question 3

How do I clean these?

Accepted Answer

I have found that a light feather dusting or a can of keyboard cleaner (canned air) can be a great tool to keep your artwork clean.

Question 4

What inspires your designs?

Accepted Answer

I love mideival architecture, Moroccan tilework, ancient handwriting, Celtic illuminations, Masonic adornments, ancient runes, Egyptian hieroglyphics, Pagan symbolism, you name it! I've done henna tattoos for many years and that inspires me, too. I was addicted to spirograph as a kid and perhaps some of that seeps through, as well.

Stiv

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