Sawdust Imagery

One of the coolest things about art, is that it can be anything, done by anyone. A painted handprint, a play dough kitten, a glass blown bong—as long as it’s a creative expression of one’s imagination, anything goes. Sometimes, there are visionaries who’s art form is so unique and thought-provoking that you can’t help but feel a deep sense of joy and wonder when you lay your eyes upon it.

Someone who’s mastered this form of magic is Lanny Headrick, who’s wooden robots use limited materials in a way that tickle the imagination, and are pretty darn cute to boot. Headrick is a husband, father, and cardiac nurse. His woodworking business, Sawdust Imagery, includes all kinds of woodworking, but for the past eight years, his passion has revolved primarily around handcrafting his one-of-a-kind wooden robots, the materials from which he sources himself. They are so simple, yet so expressive. They truly feel like they are alive.

Last week, I chatted with Headrick about his process, inspiration, and motivation when it comes to manufacturing his whimsical creations, which look like the main characters in a Pixar movie. I can just hear Hollywood knocking now…

I make these wooden robots for all walks of life, from young children to the elderly. My wooden robots are for everyone. I truly believe that each wooden robot I create has the potential to make the world a better place to be. The theme for each wooden robot can be left to the viewer to visualize. This is a choose-your-own-adventure situation.

Back in 2016, when I made my first wooden robot, I did so with the intention of giving the public something that would create some ease. Happiness doesn’t come easy for everyone, so if my robots can provide even a second or two of joy, then my work is done. It doesn’t stop there though. I realized that the act of making these wooden robots was giving myself a profound amount of joy, an almost selfish amount of happiness, to be quite honest.

This led me to realize that the joy that I was experiencing from the creative process was the main ingredient, and others would be able to tap into that energy within my work. It’s a simple concept: make things that bring you joy, and the end result will be received as joy. The energy that goes into each piece and never dies. My Sawdust Imagery mission statement has always been to “Promote Joy” and that starts with my own.

I like to use timber that I’ve personally harvested myself after storms. There’s something so special about intercepting a beautiful piece of wood and redirecting its path into art. I feel so much more connected to the piece that way. It feels bigger than me in some way.

Along with using figured timber, I use casting resin to integrate botanicals within each piece. I use flowers that remain robust even after the drying process, like straw flowers and shasta daisies. I also use shells for inlay material, such as abalone and mother of pearl. Various metals like copper, brass and steel are implemented as well. I also like to use a reflective material called “dicrotic sheets” for the eyes.

The final medium is digital photography. That process is just as rewarding to me as the build. Its the final “ta dah” moment for each piece. It really brings the robots to life. My hope is that through these mediums I can stoke imaginations and inspire people to be more creative with their lives.

To bring these guys to life, I have to take a number of steps. First, I need to procure the timber, then process the timber, and then dry the timber. This one of woodworkings long games– harvesting your own material.

After the material is dry, I use a process called stabilization. This is a process utilized by knife- handle makers as the wood becomes impregnated with resin and impermeable to moisture and atmospheric movement. It also adds significant weight to each piece and really makes each robot feel heavy and substantial. You can also dye the timber different vibrant colors through the stabilization process, all the way to the core of each piece, which enhances the different figure within the timber. This process takes about 48-72 hours.

Once the timber is stable, I mill the parts and get ready for casting. This involves harvesting and drying different botanicals. I will sometimes use dandelion puffs, which takes planning, and is a very delicate process. I like to use Shasta daisies that have died sideways on the stem so they look like they’re blowing in the wind while upright. Nigella Seed pods are very effective and stable and look like they’re from an alien planet. I like to use straw flowers and Brazilian Star daisies as well. Another favorite botanical is a species of straw flower called Winged Everlasting which is a beautiful flower.

I will cast the eyes in resin with different items I’ve found, like small banksia pods, fan coral, live–edge Australian burl slices, dried protea flowers with mother of pearl, abalone, or dicrotic sheets. The detail in the eyes is a huge factor that gives each wooden robot its unique vibe and personality.

Once the casting is cured (3-4 days), I will shape, sand, and polish the pieces. I will make sure each robot fits as it should and has its own unique style and attitude when it stands. Then, I apply sanding sealer and lacquer. The moment the lacquer is applied is always a magical moment as that’s when the pieces really come to life.

Finally, when the wooden robot is assembled and complete, it’s onto photography. I’ve gone as far as the Salton Sea to photograph my robots. I love to make them look like they’ve come to life and are walking among us.

While I work, I always fall back on a few classic albums…The In Sounds From Way Out by the Beastie Boys. Billie Eilish’s first album- When We Fall Asleep Where Do We Go. Anything from Tommy Gurrero. Kendrick Lamar has been hitting lately. Andre Nickatina. RBL Posse. My new favorite is Ren, he’s from the UK and his songs and videos are incredibly profound lyrical works of art, which dive deep into mental health and depression with masterful cinematography. Classic rock is good too.

The photography part can be a bit challenging, as proper lighting is critical, and it’s not always easy to line up the perfect time of day or backdrop for each shot. With that being said, the most satisfying aspect of this work is finishing each piece. Then taking the time to sit back and enjoy it. I will literally just stare at each wooden robot for an hour or two and reflect on the process. I suppose It’s a form of my own meditative closure. I feel so very lucky to have found this craft.

www.sawdustimagery.com

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