3D and Mixed Media Art Installations
Sometimes a flat wall just isn't enough. I love blending materials like leather, wood, and cork to create 3D installations that pop off the wall and get people talking.
This video shows the making of the giant Birkenstock sandal installation. It involved so many different materials and techniques, from aging vintage posters to assembling the hand-made wooden buckle.
"Can you make a life-sized Birkenstock sandal?" When a client asks a question like that, I can't help but say yes! This was one of the most challenging and rewarding projects I've ever done.
A close-up of the finished installation, showing the custom-made wooden buckles and the texture of the real leather strap. The goal was to make it look as realistic as possible.
This Bob Marley portrait was created entirely with nails and a single continuous black thread. String art is a meticulous process, but it creates a stunning, graphic effect with amazing depth.
This colorful installation, shaped like a cocktail glass, was a fun project for a commercial space. The layered, painted pieces create a vibrant 3D effect on the wall.
I had these wooden buckles handmade and then covered them in gold foil and metallic paint. The Birkenstock logo was engraved into the wood before painting for an authentic touch.
To create the vintage background for the sandal installation, I applied paint over posters and then scratched it off to give it a weathered, aged look.
Testing out paint colors on a small piece of cork sheet to make sure I could get the right texture and shade for the sandal's footbed.
A sneak peek of the project: the custom-engraved wooden buckle before it was painted. Every component of this installation was carefully crafted.
The final 4 by 6 feet installation, ready to be delivered to the Birkenstock head office. It was a huge undertaking, but I'm so proud of how it came to life.
About Bespoke 3D & Mixed Media Installations
Getting a 3D piece to hang securely or look realistic, like the life-sized sandal I once built, isn't just about painting. It requires a bit of 'jugaad', which involves figuring out how to turn wood, leather scraps, and cork into something that looks seamless on a wall.
When a client asks for a 3D installation, they are usually looking for more than just paint on a wall. They want a conversation piece. For me, this starts with material research. Whether it is weaving nails and thread into a portrait or building a 6-foot structure for a brand office, the goal is to create something tactile that draws the eye.
The process is rarely linear. It is a mix of engineering and art. I often find myself sketching, sourcing items from hardware stores, and testing how different materials hold up against each other. When I worked on the large footwear installation, for example, the biggest challenge was the logistics of making heavy materials appear light and integrated.
If you have a wall that feels too empty or an office reception that needs a brand boost, we can move beyond flat canvases. Think mixed materials like metal, leather, wood, or even fabric. It takes more time to plan and execute than a standard mural, but the result is a physical presence that a painting cannot match.
Not sure if your wall can support a heavy installation? We can talk about weight, lighting, and placement during our initial discussion to make sure the final piece fits perfectly.
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