Fantastic wooden sculptures by Mark Doolittle

American sculptor Mark Doolittle came to art from science. He is a professor of molecular biology at the University of California, Los Angeles and the author of several scientific papers. Mark devoted more than 25 years to biology and, perhaps, would have continued to study it now, if not for... dried pumpkins.

Mark Doolittle's wife, Katie, is a dried pumpkin carver. She is a person of art - and this is not a hobby, but a profession. The woman participates in exhibitions and receives contracts for the design of promotions and festive events. In 2002, she suggested that her husband try carving something out of a pumpkin.

It turned out that Mark had a latent talent - he got it all right the first time. After this, he began to carve complex sculptures from pumpkins, and later from wood, in his spare time. 2012 was a turning point for biologist Mark. He dropped out of university and opened his own sculpture studio in Joshua Tree, California.

Now Doctor of Biology Mark Doolittle creates figures of incredible beauty and complexity from wood. The sculptor believes that his many years of scientific experience leave an imprint on his work. Each figure Mark carves is a synthesis of aesthetic sensibility, technical skill and scientific inspiration.

A unique vision of nature, about which Mark knows much more than the average person, gives him inspiration. The sculptor boldly experiments, combining wood with fossils and even mechanisms, such as clockwork.

Doolittle says he never considered stone or clay as a material for his sculptures. He believes that only wood is suitable for realizing his plans. The material obtained through complex processes of biological growth is the basis of his unique style.

It is worth adding that not a single creation of Mark Doolittle is repeated. The master himself claims that this is impossible, even if he wanted to. Each of his pieces is unique, just as the fossils that complement the sculptures have no analogues. The sculptor fundamentally does not use CNC machines or laser equipment. He cuts out even the most filigree details using a hand router, chisels and cutters.

Another artist from the USA, Dan Webb, also works with wood. But he chose a completely different style and creates the most realistic objects.