By day, artist Giles Newman works as a graphic designer, which means he works with computer programs all day.
But on weekends, Newman sough refuge in the woods of North Wales, where the timeless wilderness inspired him to create another kind of art, one that's been passed down through the generations.
Using the forest's supply of fallen wood, Newman started experimenting with wood carving and whittling, and started creating beautiful wooden spoons with intricate handles carved into the shapes of animals and plants.
In an age of computer-generated graphics and digital art, it might seem like old handicrafts like wood carving are falling by the wayside.
But plenty of artists are looking back as well as forward when it comes to artistic inspiration. Some even dedicate themselves to keeping these art forms alive, like the artists in China who carry on a 1,300-year-old tradition of wood carving.
Check out Newman's beautiful spoons below, and you might think they've come right out of a fairy tale!
[H/T: My Modern Met]
Giles Newman works as a graphic designer, but when he's not doing that, he's creating these hand-carved wooden spoons using ancient techniques.
That means no power tools went into making any of these.
Instead, each spoon you see, down to its smallest detail, was created using chisels and knives. That also means that no two are ever alike.
He collects pieces of wood from the forest, sketches out his design, and starts carving and whittling until the spoon emerges.
Newman turns the handles of his spoons into animals…
…and plants…
…and even magical creatures.
He also experiments with the shape of the handles.
Each is one-of-a-kind, and the spoons range in size and complexity, from teaspoons to large serving spoons.
Newman also likes to experiment with the shape of the bowl, like the acorn-shaped spoon on the right.
Perhaps surprisingly, Newman didn't consider his hobby to be art, just something to do on the weekends.
But then a friend pointed out how incredible they were, and so Newman started considering them as a serious artistic pursuit.
So he continued experimenting with styles and designs, opened an Etsy shop, and the rest is history!
He does still maintain his job as a graphic designer, though now he carves daily instead of just on the weekends.
And all of the wood used to make these spoons is sourced sustainably.
And in case you're wondering, these spoons have been specially treated, so they can be used for food!
But most people prefer to simply display them as works of art, and you can see why!
You can see more of Newman's carvings, including some jewelry pieces, on his website, as well as on Facebook and Instagram, and see what's for sale on his Etsy shop.
Please SHARE if you prefer handmade objects to store-bought!
