# Illuminated Paintings Sculptural Artist John Fathom Revamps Recovered Wood and Metal By Luca Cusolito | Published 2011-09-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-artist-john-fathom References: [jfathom](http://www.jfathom.com/) & [jfathom](http://www.jfathom.com/) Sculptural artist John Fathom takes a "waste nothing" approach by using [recovered wood and metal](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ferro-capsule) to create his illuminated painting sculptures. The marriage of repurposed materials and original artwork evokes the creative response one would have when looking up in the clouds or at specimens under a microscope. The paintings act as snapshots into other worlds that seem familiar to us. Common themes in Fathom's [illuminated sculptural creations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spencer-finch) include reverence, honor and [folklore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibredog). He allows light to envelop and expose the colors of his work. Fathom's work has been featured in publications like New York Magazine; he has also created intricate installations at The Gallery Lounge in New York City. His latest solo show explores the veneration of godly ideals and fundamental laws that allow us our perspective. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Repurposed Art:** The use of recovered materials to create unique and visually captivating artwork presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for artists and designers. - **Illuminated Sculpture:** The incorporation of lighting elements into sculptural artworks offers a new and immersive experience for viewers, opening up innovative possibilities for the art industry. - **Narrative Installations:** Creating art installations that tell a story and evoke emotions provides a disruptive innovation opportunity to engage audiences in a more meaningful and interactive way. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art:** The art industry can explore the potential of repurposing materials and incorporating lighting elements to create unique and impactful artworks. - **Design:** Designers can leverage the concept of repurposing and illumination in their creations to develop innovative and sustainable products. - **Hospitality:** Hotels and restaurants can embrace narrative installations to enhance their guests' experiences and create memorable spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Towering Reclaimed Wooden Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louise-durham.md) - [Utensil Waste Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nytt-lys.md) - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md) - [Illuminated Curtained Light Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/making-the-invisible-visible.md) - [Expanded Ceramic Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/future-fossils-1.md) - [Futuristic Totemic Lighting Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-relics.md) - [Lightning-Inspired Artful Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-light-shining.md) - [Ethereal Light Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peter-kovacsy.md) - [Recycled Lighting Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nytt-lys-collection.md)