Are these real Leaves?
Yes they are. What you are looking at is the skeleton or vascular structure of a leaf. The affect is very ethereal and delicate in appearance. In reality, the leaves are surprisingly flexible and stable. They will not dry out or become brittle with time.
How do you remove the skin from the leaf?
The Art of skeletonizing leaves has been practiced for hundreds of years. It was intially developed through a maceration process and inspired by finding them naturally decayed. Modern technology has greatly improved upon the Art. A process similiar to plasma etching(used in semi conductor manufacture), will expose the vascular structure to be preserved indefinitely (http://plasmaetch.com/). What's left is cellulose, a tough natural plant fiber. They will not dry out or break down over time.
There are some skeleton leaves coming from India as well. Typically there are only two species.They go by many different names. Bot, bodi, pepul, magnolia etc. They are usually used in the florist industry and you will sometimes see them used in greeting cards and on cheap imported boxes etc.You will also see them arranged into pseudo flowers. These are made with slave labor in china and then imported. It's a different technique but utilizes a similiar affect although it cannot be done on a wide variety of domestic species.
Is that the original color?
The leaves are re-tinted based on colors that occur naturally. Mother Nature is used as a guide but artistic liscence is also applied. All species are available tinted to a light brown or "natural" color. The Paint used is a grade 1 colorfast (permanent) water base acylic. It is applied with an airbrush that enables great control in trying to replicate mother nature.
How long will they last?
They will last indefinately. Cellulose is wood fiber and easily preserved. I am familiar with leaves that have been skeletonized(by less superior methods)that are over 100 years of age. This technique stablizes and preserves them.
Do you sell just the leaves?
Not Yet. Possibly in the future.
Do you sell just the frames or shadow box?
No sorry. Any good frame shop will custom make shadow boxes for you. *Warning* Taint cheap!
Is this a new art?
No. The concept is not orginal. There are many ways to skeletonize leaves. The Art was practiced in the ming dynasty hundreds of years ago. That said, modern technology has improved the Art.
There is an old antique book called "The Art of skeleton leaves" it was published in 1864. It is a rare book but can be sometimes found in rare book stores. Be prepared to pay $200- $500 depending upon condition. I have two copies and will scan some excerpts from it. It is quite entertaining very prophetic.
Do they require special care?
Not really. Treat them as you would any fine artwork and they will provide a lifetime of enjoyment. Sunlight will not fade the leaves as the colors used are a grade1 colorfast (permanent). Anti-Reflective museum quality glass is also used which will filter out the harmful UV wavelength.The shadow boxes are NOT hermetically sealed, nor do they have to be. EXTREME humidity may make the leaves curl. Typically that means a bathroom that has a shower and is NOT well ventilated. I have hundreds of customers that use them in the bathroom with no ill affects. If you get moisture condensing on the glass, then I would move them. Typical ambient humidity is generally not a problem.
Sometimes you will get a "hazing" affect on the inside of the glass. The glue used will offgas for a short while till it has fully cured. If you notice this hazing on the inside, you can easily clean it by opening up the back of the piece to expose the glass and allow cleaning.
Are bugs a problem?
The only thing left of the leaf is cellulose (or wood pulp). Most of the desireable organic material is gone. Most insects will not eat the cellulose. The exception would be termites. If you have Termites eating your leaves, you have a far greater problem than losing your artwork!
Where is your studio?
Vancouver Washington
It is not an open Studio. It a working studio and only open by special appointment. Special appointments would be to pick up a piece or large set or to make special selections for large orders etc. Please call if you feel you need to set up an appointment. THANK YOU!
Do you have a Gallery
I am part owner of the Gilbert District Gallery in Seaside OR. It is located at 613 Broadway street downtown. It is right next to the Tora Japanese restaurant. I also sell through galleries all over the country.
