Returning to Jonathan LeVine Gallery after a successful showing there in 2013 (covered), Mike Leavitt (interviewed) will be presenting a new body of work come May 14th. Entitled King Cuts, the new sculptures focus on renowned directors, molded in a way that recalls some of their most famous movies. Carved from a single block of wood, the new pieces measure 18 inches tall at one quarter inch scale.

The Seattle-based artist further explains – “I love movies and I love art. The magic overwhelms me. Moviemakers are consumed by their work, similar to the way my own work overtakes my life. Whether a block of wood, a scene ending or film reel edit, every cut takes conviction. Directors endure pain tending to the light of photography, the story’s tension, the limits of money and the sacrifices to their vision. Trust in that vision is so powerful that they relinquish their anatomy. That’s why I sculpted their bodies physically devoured by their work.”

Discuss Mike Leavitt here.