Laser cutting – 11 artists and craftspeople redefining wood art

Laser cutting and engraving: these two magic words merge the worlds of art and craft into a new sphere of imagination.

Today we're taking a look at ten impressive artists and creators who use laser technology (so-called laser cutting ) to create true masterpieces from wood. From delicate patterns to complex sculptures – laser cutting wood is not just a technological advancement, but simply an ode to this natural material.

What is laser cutting?

Advanced laser cutting has established itself as an indispensable technology in modern manufacturing. Companies and creative professionals alike use this technology to enable highly precise and efficient production processes.

Laser cutting is a precise process that uses a focused laser beam to cut materials. The laser beam is focused through a lens and directed onto the surface of the material. The intense heat of the laser melts or vaporizes the material, resulting in clean and precise cuts.

This process is suitable for a wide variety of materials, including:

• metal
• Plastic
• Wood
• Glass

 It also enables the production of complex shapes and designs with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.

Versatility in material processing

Whether metal, plastic, glass or wood – laser cutting machines can process a wide range of materials. This versatility makes them attractive for almost every industry.

One example is the electronics industry, where printed circuit boards must be cut precisely and without damaging sensitive components. Laser cutting is also used in the design and architecture sectors to create intricate patterns and structures.

Precision on a new level

Laser cutting technology offers unprecedented precision. With beams thinner than one millimeter, even the most intricate details can be cut. Beyond the creative and artistic industries, this is particularly important in sectors like medical technology, where the highest precision is essential.

Thanks to modern control systems, machines can precisely adjust parameters such as speed and intensity. This not only minimizes material waste but also increases the quality of the final products. Companies benefit from lower production costs and consistent product quality.

Efficiency and speed in the manufacturing process

Automating laser cutting enables remarkable time savings. While conventional methods often require several steps, a laser cutting machine completes everything in a single operation.

A look at applications outside the art world reveals that the potential of this technology is particularly evident in the automotive industry, where speed is crucial. Here, laser cutting is used to efficiently manufacture body parts, components, and even prototypes. 

Versatility in material processing

Whether metal, plastic, glass or wood – laser cutting machines can process a wide range of materials. This versatility makes them an attractive option for almost any application.

One example is the electronics industry, where printed circuit boards must be cut precisely and without damaging sensitive components. Laser cutting is also used in the design and architecture sectors to create intricate patterns and structures.

Laser cutting in art: a symbiosis of tradition and technology

Before we delve into the wonderful world of laser cutting artists, let's take a step back and understand what we actually enjoy. Wood is one of the oldest and most versatile materials in the world. It is renewable, readily available, and has immense historical significance in craftsmanship.

The laser, however, a beam of concentrated light, cuts through this natural material with admirable precision. So what happens when ancient tradition meets modern technology?

Something magical…

11 artists and craftspeople who are redefining standards with woodcutting

When wood is decorated with etched designs or cut into an extraordinary pattern, it acquires an even more impressive and virtually limitless variety. In our search for creative inspiration, we came across exceptional artists and craftspeople who have created remarkable works with their laser machines and this natural material.

01 Bruce Shapiro and his kinetic wood wonder

Bruce Shapiro , known for his robotic lawnmowers and sand art machines, has recently begun to bring wood to life. He combines laser cutting with kinetic elements to create movable wooden sculptures that move to music or other rhythmic patterns.

It is more than just art – it is a symbiotic fusion of science, technology and creativity.

02 Gabriel Schama and his multi-layered reliefs

Gabriel Schama , a master of laser cutting, uses layer upon layer to create deep and detailed reliefs. His works appear almost like three-dimensional drawings, with each layer adding a new level of complexity.

Gabriel Schama, assisted by his laser cutter Elsie , creates impressive 3D laser-cut artworks by skillfully cutting and assembling layers of laser-cut wood. His creative concepts often begin as complex drawings, which he transforms into fascinating three-dimensional objects using the laser cutter.

Schama plays with a wide range of forms – from abstract, organic designs to his more recent portraits. For him, the laser cutter is not just a tool to accelerate or simplify his work process, but also a medium to fully express his craftsmanship and artistic vision.

Despite the use of state-of-the-art technology, Schama's approach remains deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship, giving his works a unique combination of innovative technology and artistic sensitivity.

03 Martin Tomsky tells fantastic stories with wood

Another artist who masterfully uses laser cutting technology is Martin Tomsky . His works tell complete stories – from brave knights to peaceful forest scenes.

Tomsky uses both engraving and cutting techniques to create three-dimensional narratives that transport the viewer to another world.

04 Ron Macken – Design projects with Lightwave laser

Using state-of-the-art laser precision, Ron Macken and his team at Lightwave Laser bespoke design projects and exclusive patterns from high-quality laser-cut wood that traditional contractors cannot offer. Lightwave Laser works closely with its clients to develop exceptional laser-cut designs perfectly tailored to their individual needs. The company offers a wide range of customizable solutions for both residential and commercial applications.

Macken brings a solid technical background in laser technology, and his creative designs are extremely popular not only in commercial settings but also in private homes. In hotels , restaurants, bars, retail stores, and mosques, Lightwave Laser's elegant panels are used as room dividers, stylish wall decorations for indoor and outdoor spaces, eye-catching doors, and innovative lighting elements.

05 Eric Standley and Depth Perception

Eric Standley plays with optical illusions. His intricate layered works appear different from various angles, creating a constantly shifting perspective. Here, laser-cut layers meet geometric perfection.

Eric Standley, known for his intricately laser-cut works, pushes the boundaries of creativity with his impressive wood sculptures. Inspired by historical architectural elements, his work unfolds a fascinating array of precisely cut layers of wood. These create remarkably complex and detailed structures that appear almost alive.

Through his masterful command of laser technology, he opens up new dimensions in the visual arts, creating works reminiscent of the intricate details of stained-glass windows and Gothic cathedrals. Standley's pursuit of precision and depth transforms wood into a work of art that transcends its original state, positioning him as a leading artist in the field of laser art.

06 Nic Annette Miller and Animal Prints

Nic Annette Miller is known for her artistic animal engravings and carvings. The textures and details in her work make each animal appear almost alive. She often draws her inspiration from nature and the surroundings of her homeland.

07 Joshua Abarbanel – Organic and geometric forms

Joshua Abarbanel is an exceptional artist in the field of laser-cut wood art . With his complex and captivating designs, he pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the world of laser art. Abarbanel's impressive works combine organic and geometric forms, creating multi-layered patterns that reflect the profound complexity of nature.

Through the innovative use of state-of-the-art laser cutting techniques, he achieves remarkable precision, transforming high-quality wood into breathtaking 3D laser artworks that captivate the viewer. His creations are not only visually compelling but also encourage reflection, impressively highlighting the harmonious connection between technology and traditional craftsmanship in contemporary art.

08 Anila Quayyum Agha – Mixed Media and the Effect of Light

Mixed-media artist Anila Quayyum Agha's work, which won the 2014 "Intersections" , impressively outshone the competition. Anyone who has had the opportunity to experience her artwork in person will attest to how remarkable it is that simple yet perfectly executed constructions can transform an entire room.

Agha continues to create intricate patterns using laser machines, nowadays choosing steel or paper as materials. The original piece, however, was made of wood, which further emphasizes its unique elegance.

09  SpaceWolf – Dark Fantasy Carving

SpaceWolf is a talented artist specializing in illustration, graphic design, and woodworking. He creates limited-edition wooden posters that impressively reflect his passion for science fiction, fantasy, and pop culture. Under the mysterious pseudonym SpaceWolf, he has built a loyal fan base that appreciates his unique artwork.

With his masterful command of laser technology, he achieves a precision and uniform shading that is unparalleled in the art world. Inspired by films, series, and books, SpaceWolf reinterprets the concept of a poster by choosing cherry wood as his preferred material.

Furthermore, you can rest assured that these wooden posters are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly: For every poster sold, SpaceWolf personally plants a tree. 

10 Treeline & Tide – Nature love from the tree line to ocean waves

Laser cutting artist Jenn Liddiard and her partner Damian , a former architect, combine their expertise in modern laser technology with traditional craftsmanship to create captivating jewelry and stylish wooden accessories. Each of their creations begins with a meticulously handcrafted drawing, which is then transformed into exquisite pendants, elegant belt buckles, or unique bottle openers.

On their website, the creative duo also makes it possible to purchase personalized artworks and accessories that make each design a unique piece.

11  Kate Raudenbush – From camera lens to burning man

New York City-based artist and designer Kate Raudenbush began her creative journey as a photographer before channeling her talent into the captivating world of sculpture. Her striking works have not only secured a prominent place at the renowned Burning Man festival but are also exhibited in prestigious art galleries, including the renowned Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

Raudenbush's large-scale sculptures consist of intricately laser-cut wooden grids and panels, inspired by the beauty of nature and a multitude of cultural influences. Many of her works also serve as oases of tranquility or meditation spaces and are equipped with atmospheric LED lighting that creates an additional, captivating dimension through skillful light and shadow effects.

A look behind the scenes: This is how a 3D geometric artwork is created with a laser cutter

Tim Ung of Laser Made Products creates art projects with layered geometry using advanced CAD software and a laser cutter. The process begins with the design: Tim carefully plans the geometric design, taking into account the various shapes and layers that will be included in the final product.

Once the design is created digitally, Tim exports the files in a format compatible with the laser cutter. The laser cutter uses precise laser-based cutting technology to cut out the shapes from the various materials required for the project.

This process requires careful planning to ensure that each layer is correctly aligned so that the finished piece has a harmonious geometric appearance.

Once all the pieces are cut, the assembly phase begins. Tim arranges the layers according to his original plan, sometimes using glue or other joining methods to bond the different levels together. The result is a fascinating work of art, born from the skillful combination of modern manufacturing techniques and creative design.

Sustainability and environmental friendliness

Laser cutting is not only efficient and cost-effective, but also environmentally friendly. Since the process generates minimal material waste, it contributes to resource conservation. Furthermore, modern laser cutting systems consume less energy compared to traditional cutting methods.

These sustainability aspects are particularly crucial at a time when all stakeholders in society are increasingly relying on environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. By using laser cutting technologies, they can reduce their ecological footprint while simultaneously creating products efficiently and economically.

The magic of wood in the future

Lasers on wood are not just a passing fad, but a continuation of art history. As you can see, from kinetic sculptures and deep engravings to whimsical scenarios, laser technology has opened up a revolutionary range of possibilities for artists. Whether functional or purely aesthetic – let yourself be inspired and explore what this technology holds for your creativity.

The next time you hold a piece of wood in your hands, consider not only its surface, but the endless possibilities that lie beneath it.