A fusion of cinema and sculpture: directors merged with iconic characters by Mike Leavitt

January 16, 2021

Mike Leavitt’s innovative sculptures masterfully intertwine the visages of iconic film directors with the essence of their most distinguished characters, creating a mesmerizing blend of art, cinema, and surrealism. The Seattle-based artist delves deep into the psyche of filmmakers, capturing the symbiotic relationship between director and creation. Each piece is carved meticulously, reflecting the arduous journey of directors who pour every ounce of their being into their films. Through Leavitt’s work, one witnesses an intricate fusion where the director’s identity is inextricably linked to their cinematic universe, encapsulating the creative fervor that mirrors the artist’s own passion for his craft.

Leavitt’s sculptures transcend traditional artistic expression, offering a unique commentary on the laborious yet rewarding path of artistic pursuits. By melding physical likeness with thematic elements, he highlights how directors become one with their cinematic narratives—echoing a process akin to self-sacrifice. Leavitt captures the essence of storytelling, where directors undergo both creative triumphs and trials, rendering their silhouettes indistinguishable from the characters breathing life into their visions. This fusion of director and character communicates the arduous, consuming journey of creation, paying homage to the undying commitment that defines both the film industry and the larger artistic world.

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.
Mike Leavitt

More info: Website, Instagram (h/t: Designboom).