During the cold winter months of 2014- 2016 I visited the Philadelphia Art Museum a lot. I never really went to museums much before that as I kind of wanted to avoid outside influence in developing who I am.
During this period I truly immersed myself in art. Especially works by Brancusi, DuChamp, Jasper Johns, Rodin, Van Gogh, Cy Twombly as well as all the incredibly crafted works through out the museum.
I also began to pay attention to the frames surrounding the works. From the highly ornamental frame of Van Gogh's Sunflowers to a simple Jasper Johns frame they all had a uniqueness and interest that sometimes outweighed the art to me.
This is when I began to sketch and shift my focus on creating unique frames that evolved quickly into mirrors.
I love the energy, natural magic and presence that a beautiful mirror brings to any environment.
I love bringing the viewer into an environment where they become engaged in a work of art.
My goal is to create the rarest, most imaginative and unique handmade mirrors that have ever existed.
During this period I truly immersed myself in art. Especially works by Brancusi, DuChamp, Jasper Johns, Rodin, Van Gogh, Cy Twombly as well as all the incredibly crafted works through out the museum.
I also began to pay attention to the frames surrounding the works. From the highly ornamental frame of Van Gogh's Sunflowers to a simple Jasper Johns frame they all had a uniqueness and interest that sometimes outweighed the art to me.
This is when I began to sketch and shift my focus on creating unique frames that evolved quickly into mirrors.
I love the energy, natural magic and presence that a beautiful mirror brings to any environment.
I love bringing the viewer into an environment where they become engaged in a work of art.
My goal is to create the rarest, most imaginative and unique handmade mirrors that have ever existed.
PORTRAIT OF HOPE : 2015- 2020
handcarved sapele panel, sapele frame.
handcarved sapele panel, sapele frame.
APOLLO : 2015
hand carved from one piece of Sapele -
view blog on making of this piece at http://www.brianfromthefuture.com/blog/apollo-mirror
hand carved from one piece of Sapele -
view blog on making of this piece at http://www.brianfromthefuture.com/blog/apollo-mirror
NEW MOON OVER MAUI : 2016- 2020
multi-directional mirror
handcarved sapele panel, sapele frame
multi-directional mirror
handcarved sapele panel, sapele frame
Bienvenido #5 : started May 25, 2019 - May 7, 2020
handcarved sapele
view making of piece in blog
www.brianfromthefuture.com/blog/the-art-of-the-scroll-dissecting-bienvenido-5
handcarved sapele
view making of piece in blog
www.brianfromthefuture.com/blog/the-art-of-the-scroll-dissecting-bienvenido-5
DIVINITY - 2016
mahogany
mahogany
DEAR LOVE - 2015
mahogany
mahogany
Ode to Youth - 2015
mahogany
mahogany
TRIUNE mirrors - This series places the viewer in the center of a powerful spiritual space.
Triune #1
Triune #2
Triune #3
Bienvenido Mirrors - This series focuses on recreating the classic decorative element of scrolls in woodwork into more modern bolder personality filled interpretations.
(mirrors were not available at the time when these pieces were photographed)
(mirrors were not available at the time when these pieces were photographed)
Anastrata Mirror series
beginning May 2016
Anastrata meaning :
I combined "ana" with "strata" to mean "with layers/levels" representing variations on the form I was developing. Just as important "anastrata" describes the viewer, a complex being in physical form.
Design:
The goal was to develop a classic form with a sense of contemporary design that could lend itself to limitless styles.
A side panel is paired with a mirror on each piece. The side panel whether natural or something hand created brings a unique artistry to the form.
Another signature element of the mirrors is the open space on the left and right side of the mirror giving a light, delicate feel to the piece.
It was also important to create a design that in many cases can be hung in any direction creating a new look and feel for the piece and environment.
photo below of Nebula #1 happily residing in Arizona
Anastrata Classic : Simple beauty, this line takes cues from fashion and patterns utilizing hand etched decorative elements as well as metal leafing
Anastrata Au Naturel : Pure beauty. This line features wood cut right from the tree and reconstructed into a gorgeous natural mirror.
Au Natural #6-13 shown in each directional hanging postion
Anastrata From the Garden - Nature's beauty preserved
Anastrata Nebula : This series focuses on creating a rich colorful panel reminiscent of beautiful imagery of Nebulas. Each mirror starts with the finest figured woods that already have holographic qualities and adding rich transparent inks to the wood. Due to the hand applied colors and techniques each Nebula is completely unique.
Anastrata Hand Carved : My passion for creating rich 3d customized panels is the focus of this series.
Anastrata Aloha - hand carved happiness
Anastrata Memories - client given lumber and materials turned into an heirloom mirror
Anastrata Rustic : This series is made from unique boards that have a natural wear and tear giving the wood a warm rich genuine quality.
Anastrata Avant Garde : broken and beautiful