Lighthouse illustration in pen and ink on wooden surface, detailed with coastal elements.

John Buck’s Wooden Worlds: From Niagara’s Majesty to Cacti with Eyes

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-07-21

Immersing in surreal landscapes through wood and ink

John Buck‘s art merges the wonder of natural landmarks with dreamlike surrealism. His latest exhibition, Mont Blanc on Wood, at the Zolla / Lieberman Gallery challenges viewers with scenes that straddle the line between reality and imagination.

Buck, based in Bozeman, is renowned for his life-sized wooden sculptures, which carry influences from folklore, personal anecdotes, and everyday life. His distinctive style features figures hybridized with various objects, created in idiosyncratic drawings on wooden panels.

If you appreciate the transformative potential of art, Ben Young’s glass seascapes illustrate another dimension where materials tell captivating stories.

This collection is rich in diverse landscapes. In “Cactus Grove (No. 13),” sharp desert plants unnervingly gaze back at you, while in “Lighthouse (No. 18),” a beacon seemingly misplaced in a barren desert lake casts its glow on rocky outcrops.

According to the gallery, Buck’s work is a reflection on the quirks of human behavior, societal issues, and the environment. His pieces maintain a playful tone and a calculated use of form, inviting you into realms where the everyday is transformed into something extraordinary.

His exploration of human behavior through unique landscapes resonates with Diana Beltrán Herrera’s crafted wonders. Explore her paper-crafted coral reefs and see another take on environmental art.

Visit before it’s gone

Mont Blanc on Wood exhibits until August 8 in Chicago, offering a chance to explore Buck’s narrative-driven and craft-focused art.

Wood panel depicting several cacti with eyes drawn in ink.
“Cactus Grove” (2024), pen and ink on wood, 36 ½ x 27 inches
Detailed pen and ink drawing of Utah's Three Patriarchs on wood.
“Three Patriarchs, Utah” (2024), pen and ink on wood, 26 ½ x 31 ½ inches
Mining scene titled 'The Never Sweat Mine' on a wooden surface.
“The Never Sweat Mine” (2024), pen and ink on wood, 21 ¼ x 26 ½ inches
Ink drawing of Atchafalaya's lush landscape on a wooden board.
“Atchafalaya” (2024), pen and ink on wood, 26 ½ x 32 inches
Wooden panel with ink illustration of seven waterfalls.
“7 Waterfalls (No14),” (2024), pen and ink on wood, 37 x 27 inches
Detailed drawing of aspen trees on wood in pen and ink.
“Aspens” (2024), pen and ink on wood, 26 ½ x 37 ½ inches
Sea Mount illustration in pen and ink on a large wood panel.
“Sea Mount” (2024), pen and ink on wood, 52 x 37 ½ inches

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

What themes does John Buck’s artwork explore?

John Buck’s artwork explores themes of human behavior, societal issues, and the environment through surreal landscapes and wooden sculptures.

Where can I see John Buck’s Mont Blanc on Wood exhibition?

John Buck’s Mont Blanc on Wood exhibition is displayed at the Zolla / Lieberman Gallery in Chicago until August 8.

What is unique about John Buck’s artistic style?

John Buck’s artwork is unique for its life-sized wooden sculptures and idiosyncratic drawings on wooden panels that depict hybridized figures intertwined with various objects.