# Intricate Illuminated Egg Artwork Vietnamese Artist Carves Eggshells into Stunning Works of Art By Thomas Wade-West | Published 2013-09-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eggshell-artwork References: [odditycentral](http://www.odditycentral.com/art/young-vietnamese-artist-carves-portraits-and-landscapes-on-delicate-eggshells.html) Vietnamese artist Ben Tre has the ability to drill hollowed-out eggshells into his very own eggshell artwork. Tre says he has been carving for only a year, but already has a series of pieces in his portfolio. The specific canvasses are chicken eggshells, which are hollowed out prior to carving without any chemical treatment to the shell. Extremely delicately, Tre then uses a friend’s electrical drill to make small cuts and incisions to create his desired images. Some of these pieces include exotic outdoor landscapes, celebrity portraits (Albert Einstein, Mona Lisa and Queen Elizabeth). The carvings take a full day to complete, and are then mounted on display. Often, the shells are illuminated on the inside for greater effect, and are offered to his clients in [encased glass globes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lp-lamp) to ensure protection of the sculptures. These pieces are [incredibly delicate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculpture) and seemingly impossible without much patience, creativity—and of course, a steady hand. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Eggshell Art:** The intricate eggshell artwork created by Vietnamese artist Ben Tre showcases the potential for artistic innovation using unconventional materials. - **Hollowed-out Eggshells:** The use of hollowed-out eggshells as a canvas for intricate carvings demonstrates the possibilities for repurposing everyday objects into unique creations. - **Illuminated Sculptures:** The inclusion of internal illumination in the eggshell sculptures opens up opportunities for incorporating lighting effects and enhancing the visual impact of artwork. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** The art and design industry can explore the use of unconventional materials and techniques, like eggshells and delicate carvings, to push the boundaries of creativity. - **Craftsmanship:** The craftsmanship industry can leverage the delicate and intricate nature of eggshell art to create unique and personalized products that cater to niche markets. - **Home Decor:** The home decor industry can incorporate illuminated eggshell sculptures as high-end decorative pieces, offering customers a blend of artistic and functional design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimalist Experimental Egg Racks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/experimental-egg-racks.md) - [Lifelike Egg Candles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/egg-candles-1.md) - [Exclusive Luxury Jeweled Eggs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exclusive-luxury-jeweled-eggs.md) - [Artisan Easter Egg Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loeuf-gourmand.md) - [Biology-Inspired Porcelain Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiyuan-xu.md) - [Egg-Shaped Meditation Timers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/donha-egg.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Artfully Balanced Chair Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halfway-serious.md) - [Mixed Material Home Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/resin-dragon-egg-ornament.md)