Apricot Bloom began with my interest in the quiet moment when a flower is just starting to open. I wanted to capture the softness and movement of that moment without making the flower completely realistic. The warm apricot petals against the deep blue background give the piece a feeling that is peaceful but still vivid and full of energy.
I created the bloom from three individually cut layers of birch plywood. The layers allow the petals to project from the background, giving the flower real physical depth. As the light in the room changes, the raised shapes cast subtle shadows that become part of the artwork.
I used translucent acrylic glazes across the wood so portions of the natural birch grain remain visible. The petals are painted with softer color transitions, while looser, more impressionistic brushstrokes bring texture and movement to the blue background. I enjoy the contrast between the precision of the laser-cut forms and the more spontaneous marks left by the brush.
The piece is finished with custom stains and a protective varnish. It is presented in a hand-finished wood frame with geometric corner joinery that complements the layered construction of the flower.
Artwork Details
Original artwork: One of a kind
Dimensions: 22.8 inches wide × 19 inches high × 0.6 inches deep
Materials: Laser-cut birch plywood, acrylic glazes, stain, and protective varnish
