Tom Cleveland
HOLD PLEASE: “An Apology to Loneliness” by Tom Cleveland explores isolation through stark imagery and emotive color, prompting viewers to reflect on their own disconnection. With help from the Johnson Atelier, Cleveland transformed his wax sculptures into durable wooden forms, each made from a different hardwood species. These sculptures were then incorporated into his cityscape photography, enhancing the emotional depth of the work.
Tom Cleaveland
Manhattan in his personal studio
Exotic Hardwoods - Paduak, Bubinga, Zebrawood, White Oak, Sapele
Various sizes
About
Tom Cleaveland: Apology to Lonliness
Johnson Atelier collaborated closely with Tom Cleveland on his project, An Apology to Loneliness. Cleveland initially sculpted five figures in wax, which we scanned to create digital models. Together, we selected various exotic hardwoods to remake the sculptures in more durable wood. After laminating the wood blocks, we milled the figures and hand-finished them. Using leftover wood from the process, we crafted bases, waxed the pieces, and sent them to Cleveland’s studio, where he integrated them into his cityscape photography.