Vietnamese-born, Seattle-based rising talent Diem Chau’s work bridges art and design, combining such unlikely materials as porcelain, organza, thread and toothpicks to create sculptural vignettes that suggest poignant domestic moments. Chau’s latest material can be traced back to childhood: the good ole, prosaic box of Crayolas. In 2006, she began hand-carving basic crayons, creating miniature figurative portraits of specific sitters and even accepting commissions, such as a limited edition of 66 crayons for Nike’s 2010 World Cup promotion. Resembling totem poles crafted in wax, these tiny creations are better than a trip to Madame Tussaud’s. From $400 per figure, through Peel Gallery, 4411 Montrose Blvd., 713.520.8122; peelgallery.org.
Image: Diem Chau’s "Zodiac," 2009, at Peel Gallery. Photo by Howard House.