Nils Dougan - Art by Nils Dougan

Inspired by the fundamental patterns of the universe, the basic shapes that combine to create the infinite spectrum we see before us, I use a focused laser to cut sheets of wood and paper. Though my work involves a fair amount of physical handling, my process starts with a long design phase. Even then, after my laser cuts the layers of a first draft, I immediately go back to the computer again to fix any problems or tweak the composition. Afterwards I can begin to assemble pieces in earnest, choosing wood that has the color and texture I'm looking for, adding watercolor elements, and carefully gluing individual layers together. Pieces are finished with some sanding, a lasered signature, a protective coating, and hanging hardware.