Forest Heart: A Unique Wood Picture

Exploring the Beauty of Wood in Art

Natural wood possesses a mesmerizing beauty, with its diverse colors, illusory lines, and unique textures. Inspired by the inherent characteristics of wood, designer Mohamadali Vadood created the captivating art piece known as Forest Heart. This project showcases the artist's ability to harness the patterns, lines, and colors of wood to create an original and incredible image that celebrates the essence of nature.

Forest Heart stands out from other wood artworks due to its three distinct purposes. Firstly, it offers a fresh perspective on wood, encouraging viewers to explore new perceptions and appreciate its pure nature. Secondly, Vadood employs innovative techniques and common tools to achieve exceptional quality in his craftsmanship. Lastly, he delves into the discovery and creation of new ways to trace natural patterns in wood, resulting in a synthesis of captivating images.

The realization of Forest Heart required a meticulous production process. Vadood developed a geometrical table based on cutting angles, allowing him to precisely cut even 1 mm pieces of wood. By carefully selecting different types of wood, such as haloxylon, barberry, fig, and European ash, Vadood ensured that each element of the artwork contributed to the overall composition. The tools used in the creation of Forest Heart included a coping saw, plane, sanding paper, nail, and hammer.

Forest Heart measures 35 by 60 cm and consists of 47 pieces of wood, each with a thickness of 4 mm. The artwork weighs 700 grams and showcases a careful selection of colors and shades that highlight the natural fortuities found within the wood.

Forest Heart can be appreciated both as a work of art and as a decorative piece. Its unique composition and natural patterns make it an ideal addition to wood-based interiors, whether displayed on a wall or a shelf. The artwork's lightweight and compact size allow for easy transportation, making it a versatile piece that can be enjoyed in various settings.

Forest Heart was created in Tehran, Iran, over a six-month period in 2010. Vadood encountered challenges during the project, such as defining the geometrical patterns of cuts to preserve the original wood patterns and overcoming the thickness of cutlines without using a primer. However, his innovative approach, which he refers to as the "Double-cut," allowed him to save the main image while preserving the sub-patterns and sub-textures.

Forest Heart represents a new era in marquetry, known as Naqshbandi. This method emphasizes the connection between lines, the expansion of textures, and the importance of true light shades. By harmonizing with the nature of wood, Vadood creates a direct inspiration from the natural fortuities present in each piece, resulting in a truly unique and captivating artwork.

Forest Heart has been recognized for its exceptional design and craftsmanship. In 2020, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges the artwork's well-designed, practical, and innovative qualities, as well as its contribution to a better world.