Featured Artist Philip Roberts

These beautifully and meticulously crafted artworks by artist Philip Roberts are comprised of multiple layers of laser-cut wood, creating fine detail and depth of texture.

Artist Philip Roberts with “Get Lost Here” Wood, 48″ x 32″

I am a happily married full-time artist from rural New Jersey. I rely heavily on the ability to leverage modern day technology to bring my meticulous designs to life. These strengths are born from my love of art, design, machinery and years of traditional woodworking.

“Buy the Ticket” (Detail) Wood, 8″ x 32″

The pieces shown here are about 1.5 inches thick and made up of twelve individual layers of laser-cut wood. The physical depth that accompanies the design adds another dimension of texture for the mind to explore (which is unfortunately lost in photographs).

“Adrift” Wood, 48″ x 32″

It brings joy to my heart when I’m presenting my work and someone stops, moves forward until their face is two inches from the work, walks back about ten feet and then repeats this process two or three more times. This interaction shows they are evaluating the overall design while also exploring the fine details that add to the larger image.

“Empire State” Wood, 16″ x 24″

My hope is to create pieces that allow people to slow down, even if just for a moment. If someone lets their mind take a slow breath while looking at a piece, my job is complete.

“Octave” Wood, 24″ x 32″

Please slow down. Let your eyes and mind wander together. Life is now moving so fast it is essential we design our surroundings with elements that relax the mind.

Detail, “Sun and Clouds” Wood, 16″ x 8″

The process for creation is tedious. While I preach the “slow down” message, my own old habits die hard and I often find taking my own advice wildly difficult. Thankfully, the process to create these pieces absolutely forces me to slow down.

Artist Philip Roberts at work in his studio

As with everything in life, the process can either be painful or therapeutic and the choice is always ours. Contentment is an everyday choice, not a destination. Someday, I will finally learn that the faster I design a new piece of work, the longer it takes.

“Poi Pet” Wood, 12″ x 12″

The past year has been one wild ride. I’ve learned so much and am only scratching the surface. I owe a huge thanks to the many folks who have supported my work from the beginning and the artists who I constantly interrogate for advice.

“Pearly Whites” Wood, 8″ x 16″

The hard-earned experience that is so freely shared by the “old-timer” artists is an incredible lifeline to the “youngbloods” such as myself. I would not have survived this landscape without their generous guidance.

“Calm Sister” Wood, 16″ x 24″

The future is extremely exciting and I’m humbled by the invitations to participate in upcoming juried art events. There is so much to learn and I thank everyone for being so kind.

Artist Philip Roberts invites you to follow him on Instagram and Facebook. To see more of his work, visit his website.

Link to the Carolyn’s original article here.