Oregon-based sculptor Jason Pancoast uses his knowledge of art history and technology to create wood sculptures. The artist laser-cuts geometric shapes in oak panels. He layers multiple pieces of cut wood to create depth in works like Pride, above, showing a lion roaring. Pancoast leaves the top oak layer its natural color and grainy texture. He paints the layers underneath in vibrant, rainbow colors to contrast with the unpainted oak. “I’m always drawing in two dimensions, but the whole time, I’m thinking in three dimensions,” the artist explains.

Pancoast studied architecture at the University of Oregon. There he founded Shadowfox, an emerging-artists collective. The group raised funds to buy a laser cutter to make wood sculptures like Pride, wooden jewelry, and other designs.