Shared Spaces: Wildlife Wood Sculptures by Pete Lupo

Pete Lupo. Fragile World (detail). Carved wood, acrylic, brass. Courtesy of the artist.

Sculpting since 1983, Lenoir-based artist Pete Lupo brings an intimate knowledge of wildlife, their habitat and their interaction with mankind. Growing up around his grandparents' farms in rural southeastern North Carolina, he was rewarded with an awareness of the simple things of life. How a change in light can reveal color and form in everyday objects that so often go unnoticed, learning along the way that sometimes we must slow down in order to really see. “Shared Spaces: Wildlife Wood Sculptures by Pete Lupo” features seven of his latest hyper-realistic woodcarvings of animals and wildlife “sharing space” with objects like old tin cans and frayed hats.

Working primarily in Tupelo or Basswood, Lupo carves wildlife and man-made objects in a realistic style. Each component of a composition is carved entirely out of wood, then copper or brass sheets are hand-cut and shaped into flowers, leaves or grasses. He completes the process by applying multiple thin washes of acrylic paint to bring the piece to life. Each finished piece captures a moment of coexistence between beings. 

Lupo and his wife, Sheree, were drawn to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains because of the beauty that surrounds the area. Their home and studio overlooks the scenic Yadkin Valley in Caldwell County, North Carolina. Each day greets Lupo with views that are ever changing with the seasons. The squirrels, birds, deer, turkey, and other wildlife share their home with Lupo and his family.