How do artists balance abstraction and realism when depicting animals in rattan?

Artists working with rattan to depict animals face a unique challenge: striking a balance between abstraction and realism. Rattan's natural flexibility and texture lend themselves to both highly detailed and stylized interpretations. Some creators emphasize realism by meticulously weaving strands to mimic fur, feathers, or scales, while others embrace abstraction through simplified forms that suggest rather than replicate animal features.

The most successful pieces often combine both approaches - using realistic proportions and recognizable characteristics while incorporating abstract elements in texture or negative space. This duality allows the artwork to capture both the physical essence and symbolic meaning of the animal. Many artists begin with careful observation of real animals, then selectively simplify or exaggerate features to enhance emotional impact or highlight rattan's organic qualities.

Contemporary rattan artists frequently play with this balance, sometimes creating works that appear realistic from one angle but reveal abstract patterns when viewed differently. The material's natural warmth and irregularity inherently soften strict realism, making rattan an ideal medium for this artistic negotiation between representation and interpretation.