3-dimensional
San Francisco Layered Wooden Topographic Map
Laser cut Maple plywood with Poplar wood frame.
Grand Canyon Layered Wooden Topographic Map
Laser cut Maple plywood with Poplar wood frame.
Southern California Layered Wooden Topographic Map
Laser cut Maple plywood with Poplar wood frame.
Wedding Venue
Walnut, Birch plywwod with custom stain
Los Angeles Layered Wooden Topographic Map
Laser cut Maple plywood with Poplar wood frame.
Hawaiian Islands Layered Wooden Topographic Map
Laser cut Maple plywood with Poplar wood frame.
Layered Map Process
Each Map begins with extensive research. I seek out the most beloved landmarks in each area, look into the local wildlife, as well as learn what trees and plants are native to each location. I use bathymetric maps to get accurate measurements for each layer and create a design in Adobe Illustrator.
After the design is complete, I import into Photoshop to create a Digital Rendering in order to preview the potential final product. Each Layer is given plywood texture and cast Shadows so I can anticipate how it will look in natural light.
Creating the finished wooden map starts with laser cutting each layer and building the frame. I assemble the map pieces layer by layer before I stain it with a handmade pigment designed for use on wood. The final step is building the map into its custom frame.
kristibockrath@gmail.com