woodwork.

[ click images to enlarge ]

I love it when contemporary artists employ old world techniques.  Alison Elizabeth Taylor's wood veneer "paintings" are exquisite examples of marquetry, a traditional craft similar to inlay, historically used in the decorative arts.  You can see a few of these pieces (including my favorite, The Breeder, above) at James Cohan Gallery until Saturday (hurry!) and I highly recommend doing so.  One needs to see Taylor's work up close to appreciate her thoughtful, painterly manipulation of grain and the gorgeous palette provided by hundreds of varieties of exotic wood.

All work by Alison Elizabeth Taylor.  Images via James Cohan Gallery. 

1:  The Breeder, 2009-10.  Wood veneer, shellac.  56 X 45 inches.

2:  The Good War, 2006.  Wood inlay, shellac.  60 X 46 inches.

3:  The Pyrographist, 2009.  Wood veneer, pyrography, shellac.  46 X 40 inches.

4:  Room, 2007-08.  Wood veneer, pyrography, shellac.  96 X 120 X 96 inches.

5:  [ see above. ]

6:  [ see above. ]

7:  Security House, 2008-10.  Wood veneer, shellac.  93 X 122 inches.

8:  Security House, 2008-10.  (Detail)