LASER-CUT WOOD RELIEF SCULPTURES BY GABRIEL SCHAMA.
I’M AN ARTIST. I OWN A LASER CUTTER, AND HER NAME IS ELSIE. TOGETHER WE TRY TO PURSUE THE OUTER LIMITS OF ABSTRACT KALEIDOSCOPIC WEIRDNESS.
New York raised, newly adopted by Oakland. I’ve been working full time as an artist for the last year in my studio near JackLondon Square. I used to cut a lot of work by hand, but these days, most of my work is made from whatever I can cut with a laser.
WHERE MY WORK STARTED
These two pieces bookend the early work I did with cut paper and mixed vintage materials. This layering technique I developed all but ended my use of other materials. I was fascinated with the process and the graphic clarity it afforded. Everything was cut and glued by hand, a meditation with x-acto knives I practiced for years.
SURREALISM IN ABSTRACTION
After about a year of similar work I started making larger scale abstract works. I envision these as the magnification of the same surreal texture that animates the characters above. I would sketch a thin design on the first layer, and glue on the second sheet of paper once the first was cut. Each iteration of cutting and layering changes the look and feel of the piece, so that it slowly emerges over the course of weeks.
I live in Oakland with my laser cutter, Elsie. We make art together.
If you have questions about my work or wish to inquire about commissions, please feel free to email me at: