When WoodLab was given the opportunity to be a part of the World Center for Birds of Prey expansion, we were honored.
Greg Mercer, the Concept Artist on this project, had an expansive vision for the entry of this center and knew he needed the perfect Sculpture Artist.
That is when Ross Matteson came into the project. Matteson Sculpture is based out of Olympia, WA and creates intricate art pieces with a focus on 3-dimensional displays of nature and birds.
When Ross and Greg came to WoodLab, we wanted to make sure their vision for adding epoxy into finely etched natural stone on a large scale was possible. The stone they had selected for the premier project was Taj Mahal Quartzite, a subtly veined and textural stone.
We did some early tests on the sample bird templates that Ross had created. We worked with him to refine the epoxy fill technique and pigmented process to achieve the imagined outcome. Aftwr the tests success, we had pallets of etched stone personally delivered to our shop by Ross himself. He left us with the slabs, and we commenced our molding, pouring and the tedious hand sanding process.
Being able to contribute a little craftsmanship to the new entry at World Center for Birds of Prey is phenomenal. We feel so inspired in working with talented designers and artists, and there is joy in helping bring an inspirational and educational piece of art to the world.
Thank you kindly, Ross Matteson and Greg Mercer, for incorporating WoodLab into this unique and fulfilling project! It was a pleasure to work you both on this creative endeavor.
If you have not been to the new expansion at World Center for Birds of Prey, we highly recommend you do so. Their mission and work here in Idaho and in other countries is astonishing.