Thursday Salute to Originals: Pinewood Sculptures

An artist from Brussels creates twisting abstract forms from blocks of dark wood.

Xavier Puente Vilardell is an award-winning sculptor living in Brussels known internationally for creating abstract forms from conventional materials. The series highlighted here is a prime example of the artist’s craftsmanship and careful touch.

Each twisting figure is made from solid blocks of coffee-colored pinewood — a malleable material that showcases Vilardell’s precise and exacting skill. Inspired by naturally occurring forces, the artist illustrates the motion of wind, rain, and waves using only traditional cutting tools.

As many parts of Europe are still under quarantine, Vilardell invites patrons to a virtual tour of his studio in a new series of YouTube videos for a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into each gravity-defying sculpture.

This Thursday, we’re saluting Xavier Puente Vilardell’s carved wooden sculptures. You can view more of the artist’s work on his website and Instagram.

Sources: Xavier Puente Viladrell, This is Colossal