at the New Hope Arts Gallery in New Hope, PA
This is the second major evolution in my Depth of a Sketch series. Originally, the goal was to take 2D sketches—often drawn from live model sessions—and physically extract them into space to give those flat lines real-world dimension. But as I began brainstorming this next piece, I realized I wanted to explore a completely different way to represent depth and perspective.
I’ve always been fascinated by topographical maps and 3D terrain data. That obsession sparked a realization: what if I created a custom topographical map based entirely on my own drawing? Using AI to help extract a black-and-white height map, I essentially translated my 2D sketch into a digital mountain range. As I orbited around those peaks and valleys in 3D space, I realized the top-down perspective offered something entirely new—and the idea for a mirrored viewing angle was born.
Some in-progress images in no particular order:
Translating that digital terrain back into the physical world meant returning to the laser cutter. Just like the first iteration, the physical cut lines had to align perfectly with the burnt sketch lines for the structure to fit together seamlessly. After extracting the contour lines directly from the 3D landscape, I meticulously set up the files. From there, it was rinse and repeat until the entire topography was ready for assembly.
To pull off the mirrored viewing angle, I needed custom hardware. I used the 3D printer to print bespoke structural components that hold the mirror at the precise angle required. I actually left some of those printed parts intentionally unfinished—the raw layer lines and unpolished textures feel like they belong there, acting almost like the physical version of a rough pencil sketch.
As a conceptual sculpture, this piece surpassed my own expectations and opened up a floodgate of new ideas revolving around landscapes and forced perspectives. I’m not entirely sure where Depth of a Sketch will take me next, but perhaps one day, you’ll be able to physically walk through one of these landscapes yet view it from another perspective.