16 Of The Most Amazing Wood Sculptures

Woodworking is one of those old-school crafting skills that'll never go away completely. 

Even in modern times, with our prefabricated homes and particle board furniture from Ikea, there's still space for handcrafted wooden beauty. Let's take a moment to appreciate what hardworking hands can do to natural elements. 

1. All done without power tools...

Redditor spastichabits shared some of their dad's handiwork. Incredibly, these distinctive pieces are made entirely by hand, all out of a single block of laurel wood.

2. The creepiest piece you could possibly buy.

Set this one up in your living room and there's no way anyone is ever going to want to break into your house.

3. Just...wow.

There's dedication, and then there's this. Every square inch of this piece is incredibly intricate and stunning. One misplaced cut or chip and the whole thing could be ruined.

4. I think your dresser is cracked...

I love the playful nature of this dresser. Getting each drawer (even the bottom ones, which are subtly different) would have required some careful measuring and cutting.

5. Excuse me, sir...you're melting.

I don't know what, exactly, a melting knight is supposed to represent, but it's hard to deny that this carving by Morgan Herrin is a particularly eye-catching piece.

6. Talk about two-faced...

Having a skull sculpture or a human head sculpture is pretty cool (especially when they're this well-made). But having both in the same sculpture? That's even better.

7. Creatively utilized scrap wood.

With most wood pieces, you can see the woodgrain but not have a sense of the trees that the wood came from. This coffee table really puts the forest in your living room.

8. Don't touch the woodpile!

If you've ever had a wood-burning stove, you've probably had a big pile of firewood somewhere on your property. This, though, is on another level entirely.

9. An amazing wood sculpture, in Gif form.

A screengrab of this would be impressive in its own right, but to fully appreciate this kinetic wood sculpture, you really need to see it in action.

10. Pouring a tree stump.

Creating the illusion of a floating paint bucket from this tree stump would take some careful planning — first, brute force to get rid of the excess wood, then meticulous carving.

11. If Stormtroopers were a little more nature-oriented.

If Imperial forces occupied the Forest Moon of Endor and ran out of shiny white plastic, their helmets might wind up looking a bit like this.

12. Rawr!

The artist who created this had probably seen enough uprooted trees to envision the roots as a lion's mane. It's amazing that something like this was created with a chainsaw.

13. Creative use of burnt wood.

What started as a (relatively) simple cat's head carving is made striking with blue glass eyes and expertly burnt areas to replicate the distinctive pattern of a Siamese cat.

14. Sweet ride.

A full-sized dragon / motorcycle hybrid made entirely out of carved wood is the kind of thing you don't realize you desperately need until you finally see it.

15. Their bark is worse than their bite.

Here's another awesome stump carving. The artist could have been content to carve one wolf standing on the stump, but went the extra mile by adding a bonus wolf.

16. That's metal...err, that's wood.

It might be a tad geeky (to non-metal fans, at least), but there's no denying the care and craftsmanship (and balance!) that went into this Metallica carving.

If you could have any carving from this list, which one would it be? Tell us in the comments!

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Brilliant Artist Transforms Books Into Works Of Nature Using The Sea

Alexis Arnold created an incredible sculptures in his Crystallized Book Series. He takes titles from all across the spectrum of literature and then leaves them in the sea to collect salt and ultimately transform into a piece of nature, no longer useful the same way a book is. 

In his statement, Arnold said, "The crystals remove the text and solidify the books into aesthetic, non-functional objects. The books, frozen with crystal growth, have become artifacts or geologic specimens imbued with the history of time, use, and memory."

If you would like to see more of his work, visit his website.

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15 Beautiful Sacred Spaces With The Most Modern Architecture

One thing that hasn't faltered throughout history is that places of worship are always enthralling and immersive sights to see. No matter their size or grandeur, it's the purpose these places serve that adds an element of intrigue unmatched by other architectural sites. 

Another facet to the compelling nature of sacred places is when they've taken a step into modernity and look like an otherworldly, futuristic version of something you know is a tale as old as time. I mean, we so closely associate these structures with the old-fashioned and traditional that, when presented with a modern incarnation, awe increases tenfold. 

So, after that lengthy introduction, let's take a look at this very subject: some of the most amazing modern church designs in the world. 

1. Church on the Water, Japan

This church is enclosed by glass looking out to the water. The view is incredible in every season. 

2. Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland

This church, although it has elements of the medieval, was completed in 1986. 

3. Temppeliaukio (Rock Church), Finland

This church is literally built into a rock face so that the floor actually sits beneath ground level.  

4. St. Bartholomew's Chapel, USA

This is an amazing mix of tradition and modernity. 

5. Porciuncula de la Milagrosa Chapel, Colombia

Set into the lush forestry, this place looks like it's out of a surreal dream. 

6. Pantheon Nube, Spain  

Everything about this structure is incredible. 

7. Parish Church of Santa Monica, Spain

Is this from the future? 

8. The Church of Seed, China

This church was built to be harmonious with the mountain, and to appear rustic and austere but still welcoming. 

9. Holy Family Shrine, USA

The water that runs down the entryway trickles into a central chamber and is representative of a spiritual presence. Also, this place is just really pretty. 

10. St. Joseph the Betrothed Ukrainian-Greek Catholic Church, USA

This church has many elements of traditional Catholic architecture but with a distinctly modern feel. 

11. Leaf Chapel, Japan

This looks like a planetarium! 

12. East Park Mosque, Bahrain

This simplicity and minimalism is beautiful.

13. Thorncrown Chapel, USA

This looks like it's out of a fairy tale...

14. Rijeka Mosque, Croatia

This Mosque has been called one of the most beautiful religious spaces in Europe on several occasions...and right they are. 

15. Cathedral of Maringá, Brazil

Must. Go. 

Main image source: contemporist
Collage image source: 1. contemporist 2. designMENA

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16 Illustrations That Show The Downfall Of Our Modern World

Steve Cutts is an artist and illustrator that uses his work to make humorous but pointed observations about our modern world. He's not afraid to show the ugly side of our day-to-day existence, but he also makes sure that we get a giggle out of it while he delivers his message.

Check out these 16 examples!

1. What we leave behind.

Is this guy made of his trash, or is it coming at him in a wave? Maybe both! In between all the trash and the cars, I see a few polar bears and a deer. What do you see? Sidenote: loving the mustache on this illustration. 

2. Phone zombies.

When the zombie apocalypse comes, remember not to worry. Give the zombies the latest update for Pokémon Go, and they'll be too distracted catching Drowzees to even chase you. 

3. Where is Mona Lisa?

The biggest mystery about the Mona Lisa is her smile, and in this modern reimagining, she is faceless, but she is defined by consumerism and fashion trends. 

4. The most frustrating word on the planet.

Everyone's been there. It's Netflix night, the popcorn is still so warm that the fake butter is molten, and you're curled up with your favorite person to watch a movie. Which buffers. And buffers. Until the popcorn has turned to styrofoam, and you're ready to throw it at your TV.

5. He'll still be here when we're gone.

And when our modern world goes downhill, somehow Mickey Mouse will survive. This mouse will outlive us all and smile at as us we go. 

6. Personal space is at a premium.

There's a rare sight these days! The phone booth used to be a private place for conversation, but these days, we share everything with everyone else. 

7. Just ask Google!

Whether or not it's a good thing that we've outsourced much of our knowledge to the Internet, as someone with a very good memory, it's made quiz night a cinch!

8. Global mindshare.

With more avenues of access, brands are fighting more and more for consumer mindshare. This literal interpretation makes me rethink my choice of pop this afternoon. Whoops.

9. Such a terrible affliction.

I feel so bad for Earth! The horror on its face says it all. Well, I hope there's an antibiotic for that problem Earth has got going on. Get better soon! 

10. Monday.

Yup, this illustration is pretty much accurate. Honestly, this scene looks like a nightmare, which is kind of what Mondays are like. They are pretty much the worst. Hate them. 

11. Money can't buy happiness.

Or substitute for a tasty, aged cheddar. I know that this is not an appropriate time to say this, but I am craving a cheese plate. So sorry about what happened to you, little business mouse! 

12. Jess and Roger at home.

I can barely look at this one. It's just so sad and yet captivating. Also, I think Jessica really loves KFC. She even has it tattooed on her arm. Now that is commitment. 

13. Owned.

This is a reality for many people. It is a distressing representation of how we have become so tethered to our phones that we sometimes feel subservient to them. Also, a kitty walking its mouse is adorable and creepy. 

14. Dinner is now served.

Steve Cutts uses the iconic pop art of Andy Warhol to comment on current consumerist culture and our overly-processed foods in one simple image. Great, now I want to heat up a can of soup. 

15. Gotta catch 'em all.

Pikachu is really that powerful! Pikachu has had enough of us humans trying to catch him! I love his little thermos, though. He's probably going to be sitting in that chair all day. 

16. Under the... sea? 

Thanks to pollution and a complete disregard for the ocean's ecosystems, this is a more realistic depiction of life under the sea than any Disney movie out there. So sad that this is our reality. 

To see more of Steve's work, visit his Facebook page. 

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