Wood Carver: Mark Strom

Studying nature gives his pieces added dimension. He spends weeks observing his subject before he makes a single cut in the wood.

• Carved wooden furniture can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians. Animal images are found on beds, chairs and wooden headrests.

• Wood-carved furniture came to the forefront during the Middle Ages, where it was a prevailing feature in both European and Islamic cultures. It continued to gain popularity throughout the centuries and reached its zenith during the 18th century with the ornate Rococo style.