Multnomah County Library Art Fabrication

Translating one artistic medium into another is a regular occurrence at Figure Plant. The creative ideas we build are generally conceived in the imagination then sketched, rendered, or modelled on paper or pixel. For artist Melanie Stevens, who was commissioned by the Regional Arts and Culture Council to bring her work into the hardscape of the North Portland Library’s interior, a 3D wood cut was a bit outside her traditional lexicon of illustration and printmaking. For Figure Plant, translating her work with thoughtful care, integrity and precision was an invigorating opportunity.

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Initial thoughts led us down a path of traditional marquetry. Melanie’s work was illustrated in 3 shades of brown which we thought could be accomplished with three individually cut and stained layers of wood. Upon further investigation, this approach proved too laborious, time-consuming and costly. The creative minds at Figure Plant developed a CNC cut, solid wood approach, with angled facets that uncovered delightful surprises of dimensionality and reflective light play that surpassed expectations.

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As stated by Melanie: “Powerful. Libraries raised me, so having my work live in one-especially a space dedicated to Black Culture-was deeply personal.” We’re honored to be a part of creating such a beautiful, culturally impactful piece of art that will touch the spirit for decades to come. For more, check out a behind-the-scenes look at the artist collaboration.

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