Andi Wolfe, an evolutionary biologist, dedicated her career to delving into the intricate tapestry of plant diversity, finding inspiration in the natural world’s minutiae when viewed through a lens of high magnification. While her professional journey traversed the realms of biological exploration, her passion for artistic expression found an outlet through woodcraft.
Following her retirement in late 2022, Andi’s artistic pursuits have centered on the fusion of wood and glass in sculptural forms. Drawing from her background in biology, she integrates botanical motifs into her creations, utilizing surface enhancements to bring forth the intricate beauty of plant life.
In her wooden creations, Andi’s craftsmanship shines through in the meticulous carving of botanical designs, ranging from the macroscopic to the microscopic, capturing the essence of plant cellular structures with a keen eye for detail. Her work in three-dimensional botanical carvings, particularly maple and oak leaf designs, showcases her artistic vision.
Driven by a spirit of experimentation, Andi has embraced the challenges of working with glass, immersing herself in a spectrum of techniques including glass blowing, kiln-formed glass, glass casting, and flameworking. Mirroring her approach in wood, she infuses her glasswork with biological motifs, sculpting organic forms that echo the intricate wonders of the natural world.
Through her interdisciplinary exploration of wood and glass, Andi Wolfe seamlessly intertwines her scientific background with her artistic endeavors, making captivating pieces that bridge the gap between biology and artistry.
Turning a Bowl as a Sampler for Surface Enhancement
In this rotation I will show examples of my work featuring surface enhancements and explain my reasons for choosing a particular form for featuring a particular motif. Different forms can be used for similar motifs, but one needs to consider how a work will be viewed in person or via photographs. I will turn basic bowl forms appropriate for showcasing different surface techniques such as carving, pyrography, and coloring. Bowls can be classic forms or modified to accommodate deep texturing or carving.
Techniques for Surface Embellishment
So many choices, so little time… My work features pyrography, carving, texturing, and coloring. In this rotation I will demonstrate how I achieve specific texture effects and will discuss wood selection in terms of pyrography, carving, and coloring.
Beyond the Surface: 3D Carving
How does one start and complete a project as complicated as my carved leaf, biomorphic, or sphere designs? I will show the steps I take in turning the form, planning for wood grain orientation, and a step-by-step procedure of progress from turned form to completed project. I will also discuss tools for removing negative space, carving, detail work, and finishing the project.
