At first glance, the jackets we’re featuring now look like ordinary pieces of clothing. That is until you find out that they’re actually carved from wood.
Fraser Smith, a woodcarver from Mississippi, has us all fooled with his trompe l’oeil wood sculptures that look so realistic you’d think they’re really made of leather or cloth.
He has made wooden clothes to fill an entire wardrobe, and a bulk of his work, including some of his very first carvings, feature jackets. Ten of the best ones are presented here. They look like they’re ready to be taken off the hanger, but even the hangers are part of the carvings!
Try to wrap your mind around these wooden jackets. Check out more of Fraser Smith’s work at Fraser Smith.
1. Swiss Jacket
“Swiss Jacket,” carved wood and oil stain, 36″ x 23″ x 5″, 2009
2. Cycle 2
“Cycle 2,” carved wood, oil stain, and mixed media, 34″ x 25″ x 6″, 2008
3. Paula’s Coat
“Paula’s Coat,” carved wood, oil stain, and mixed media, 42″ x 24″ x 8″, 1985
4. Turquoise Coat
“Turquoise Coat,” carved wood and mixed media, 36″ x 25″ x 5″, 2011
5. Plato’s Feed & Seed
“Plato’s Feed & Seed,” carved wood and mixed media, 35″ x 21″ x 9″, 1989
6. Black Tux
“Black Tux,” carved wood and mixed media, 34″ x 24″ x 6″, 1987
7. The Bridge Painter’s Coat
“The Bridge Painter’s Coat,” carved wood, oil stain, and mixed media, 36″ x 24″ x 4″, 2009
8. American Jacket
“American Jacket,” carved wood and mixed media, 36″ x 25″ x 5″, 2010
9. Le Café dans les Bois
“Le Café dans les Bois,” carved wood, acrylic enamel, and mixed media, 40″ x 25″ x 4″, 2009
10. The First Quilted Robe of the Reclusive Eccentric
“The First Quilted Robe of the Reclusive Eccentric,” carved wood, silk dyes, and mixed media, 57″ x 25″ x 4″, 2010
Credit: All images by Fraser Smith