A client came to us with a favourite photograph and a simple question: could we turn it into a wood carving? It was a surfer riding a wave, with green hills behind. The answer was yes, and the finished piece makes a one-of-a-kind gift.
Step 1: Simplify the photo
A photo has far more detail than a carving can hold. We started by simplifying the image down to the shapes that matter: the curl of the wave, the line of the hills and the surfer. That gives the carving clear depth and reads well from across the room.
Step 2: Build a 3D model
Next, we turned the simplified image into a 3D model. The surfer was modelled as a raised figure so it stands out from the background, while the wave and landscape were shaped as layered relief. This is the same CAD and surface modelling we use every day on composite and automotive work, just applied to art.
Step 3: CNC carve the timber
With the model done, we programmed the toolpaths and CNC carved the sculpture into a solid timber panel. A roughing pass clears the bulk of the material, then fine finishing passes bring out the detail in the wave and the figure.
The result
The client ended up with a timber relief carving of their own photo, a personal piece you can't buy off the shelf.
Got a photo you'd like turned into a carving? Whether it's a gift, a sign or a feature panel, we can design it and CNC carve it in-house. Get in touch.