arboli

Sculptor Emily Coleman’s three-dimensional creations that look like half plant and half mythical beast are an absolute delight to behold!

Yes, when we found these unique works by Florida-based artist Emily Coleman, they looked so magical, we had to share them with you. Coleman, a self-taught sculptor who began sculpting in 2001, calls these plant-based creatures from the forest the Arbori. She has apparently been producing similar dragon-themed sculptures since 2008, and we can’t help but be amazed at how the pieces look practically alive!

Coleman has mentioned that she draws part of her inspiration from the works of Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, and true enough, we have to say her Arbori sculptures wouldn’t look out-of-place in a Ghibli animated film, Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke in particular. The strong sense of life and energy the sculptures seem to emanate is also something that you would associate with the works of Ghibli and Miyazaki.

Here’s a look at just some of Coleman’s mythical yet life-like Arbori creations:

▼ The four different adult Arbori dragon varieties look splendid lined up together!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNU-CF9AqHU/

 

▼ A closer look at two of the Arbori dragons, one featuring a sakura theme (left) and the other decorated with maples and mushrooms (right).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMTxyOagSdu/

 

▼ The dragon’s serene and regal look seems to draw you in.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIphR1PggKD/

 

▼ Whoever thought that dragons and succulent pots would go so well together?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNRvmoXg-Pj/

 

▼ And they’re adorable in miniature size as well!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNPfYdCAXPN/

 

▼ This beauty is made of urethane resin and is apparently available as a blank kit that you can paint yourself!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLOhDExA3jG/

 

▼ Coleman’s Arbori dragons have even been recreated into amazing, one-of-a-kind toys, like this ball joint doll.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJwloQnAVqx/

 

▼ She’s even had her own Arboli plush doll made, which we have to agree looks quite amazing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLoEgXsAREt/

 

Don’t her sculptures look incredible? The pieces may look like they’re made of wood, but Coleman explains on her website that she works with Sculpey, Apoxie Sculpt, EPS foam, and Monster Clay. She also says she creates all her own molds and casts. The way she combines elements of nature and the seasons with mythical beasts is brilliant, and we think the gentle expression of the dragons is delightful and soothing to look at.

If like us, you’re captivated by Coleman’s Arbori, you can purchase her work on her website emilySculpts, and you can also find more pictures of her enchanting sculptures on her Instagram page as well. Enjoy!

Reference: emilySculpts, Instagram/Emily Coleman
Top image: emilySculpts product page
Original article by: Anji Tabuchi
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