This is a very old project, but one I really love. I have also found that the imagery of the 4 alchemical elements is one that I return to again and again. The bold, graphic representations of the cartoons lend themselves well to carving.

These were done long before the colored tung oils were available. I used artist quality inks, sometimes mixed with paints. The effect is similar, but not the same. The inks are transparent, but the paints are not. So the grain of the wood is often obscured.

If you are wondering about the funky green lights, it was an unfortunate accident, I back rolled the film, thus damaging it. These are the only photos I have, soooo.......

Another note about the photographs. They were taken with a flash. That is why there is so much glare on the pieces, and the colors are not quite right.

Source art: Me.
Sconce: These sconces are each assembled from 2 carefully cut plaques by Walnut Hollow Farms.
Finish: Inks and polyurethane.
Date: Spring 1990