For most artists, pencils are simply a tool — a means to an end.
But American artist Dalton Ghetti has turned the writing implements into an end, in and of themselves.
Ghetti will be in Fort Langley on Wednesday to talk about his unusual and rather painstaking approach to three-dimensional art.
The sculptor, who carves intricate designs, using only the wood and graphite of standard yellow pencils, will be at the Pencil Studio in Bedford Landing from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 12, discussing his work and answering any questions his audience might have.
And his host expects there will be more than a few.
“When people really look at his work, they’re going to have a ton of questions,” said Pat Barker, who invited Ghetti to visit her Fort Langley studio-gallery.
The Brazil-born artist who now lives in Bridgeport, Conn., creates his miniature masterpieces on the tips of pencils, generally using only a sewing needle, a razor blade, a sculpting knife and a carpenter’s No. 2 pencil.
He has been creating the miniature sculptures for more than 25 years, but because pencil carving is a hobby, it can take the artist months, or even years, to complete some of his pieces.
A particular series of carvings, in which Ghetti completed each letter of the alphabet using the tips of 26 pencils, took him more than two years to complete.
The Fort Langley artist who has dedicated her entire gallery to the humble pencil, is thrilled to be coming face-to-face with the artist whose prints she carries.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting him. I’ve only spoken to him on the phone,” said Barker.
The intricacy of Ghetti’s designs — especially in light of the scale in which he works — is astounding to the Langley pencil artist.
“It’s pretty intriguing to see how small some pieces are and how long they take.”
One piece in particular — pictured above — in which Ghetti appears to have linked two pencils with a tiny chain, is especially mind boggling to Barker.
“I can’t even wrap my brain around how he did that,” she said.
To reserve a seat for Ghetti’s presentation, email Barker at barkerpat@hotmail.com or call the studio at 604-888-0721.