At first glance, these portraits (part of a series called “Constellation”) by New York-based artist Kumi Yamashita might appear to be black and white photographs, or pen-and-ink drawings, but they are in fact made of materials far less germane to the fine art of portraiture.
Using thousands of small galvanize nails studded into a wooden panel painted solid white, Yamashita works with one single unbroken piece of common sewing thread, winding it around and around nails, like a spider’s web, to achieve an incredible shaded greyscale affect.
In much the same way that shading is achieved with an ink pen by cross-hatching, the thread doubles back on itself to create denser and darker shades.
The result: facial features and locks of hair shaded so intricately, they take on a incredible true-to-life look, if you squint your eyes. [KumiYamashita via DesignTaxi — Images courtesy Kumi Yamashita]