Sunken Relief Style
HOW THEY ARE MADE:
Sunken relief is where the art elements and/or text are carved in to the wood, then painted by hand or airbrush. Unlike the limitations found with hand-carving requiring certain woods, sunken relief signs and projects can be carved in a multitude of woods, from plywood to pine to redwood to oak to mahogany. Sunken relief signs are initially carved on a machine, then detailed with a rotary tool before the final hand-painting and finishing.
Three coats of hand-brushed semi-gloss spar urethane protects the sign from moisture, UV and scuffs. Hanger eyelets or rear mounts are added, if requested.
A 12” X 12” SUNKEN RELIEF CARVED SIGN, HAND-PAINTED WITH OIL PAINTS FOR FINISH
A 12” X 12” SUNKEN RELIEF CARVED SIGN, HAND-PAINTED WITH OIL PAINTS FOR FINISH
“Michael, I stopped off at my Sensei's house and showed him the Kanban, and he gave you the highest compliment I have ever heard from him. He said ‘This sign made by Japanese man not American. Only this high quality of workmanship comes from Japan.’ He couldn't believe it was made by a hakujin (American)!!!
Coming from someone who survived WWII, the Bombing of Nagasaki, and relentless B-24 attacks as a child, he has a difficult time seeing such high quality work from an American. It's just who he is at 84 years of age. He really loved the sign. It brought him great happiness because with this sign, he knows that the future of our art and his legacy is cemented in the next generation.”
PICKING YOUR DESIGN ELEMENTS OR BRINGING YOUR OWN DESIGN:
It doesn’t matter if you have a design or logo already, or have a need for a sign and no idea of what it would look like! I can work with your art elements, your ideas or provide you with several illustrations samples you can pick from that best works for your needs.
PRODUCTION TIME: Minimum of 1 week, depending on the size and complexity.
COST: Varies, based on size and detail. A rough estimate can be provided in discussing your needs. Once artwork is finalized a firm cost estimate can be provided. Prices have ranged from $150 for a small (12”x12”) location sign to a couple hundred of dollars for larger signs around 48”. There is no “maximum size” for a sign; just share where you plan to display the sign and we can discuss appropriate sizes.
VARIATIONS & INTEGRATIONS: The sunken relief process can also be integrated with resin-filled, hand-carved or raised relief styles.
Use the “Contact” link above to reach out and we can start discussing your project or answer any questions.
