What are the aesthetic implications of leaving tool marks visible on teak figurative works?

The presence of visible tool marks on teak figurative works is a deliberate artistic choice that carries profound aesthetic implications. These marks, left by chisels, gouges, or sandpaper, transform the wood's surface into a narrative of craftsmanship, revealing the artist's hand and process. In teak—a dense, durable hardwood—tool marks highlight the material's natural grain, creating a dynamic interplay between human intervention and organic beauty.

From an aesthetic perspective, visible tool marks celebrate imperfection and authenticity, challenging polished, machine-made perfection. They evoke a sense of rawness and timelessness, connecting the viewer to the tactile energy of creation. In figurative works, such marks can emphasize movement, texture, or emotional depth, turning the sculpture into a dialogue between form and process.

Ultimately, leaving tool marks visible on teak carvings is not just a technique but a philosophy—one that honors the honesty of labor and the soul of the material.