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Pencil SculptureHere at Inhabitat we are often impressed by innovative new applications for everyday <a href="http://inhabitat.com/materials/" target="_blank">materials</a>, but artist Dalton Ghetti's tiny sculptures carved out of the fragile tips of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/05/28/diy-icosahedron-mobiletoy-made-from-colored-pencils/">pencils</a> have truly knocked our socks off! From a miniature bust of Elvis Presley wearing shades to tiny hammers and old boots, his work is mind boggling. Check it out in our gallery below, and get ready to be amazed by this unbelievable <a href="http://inhabitat.com/art/" target="_blank">artwork</a>!1
pencil sculptureGhetti, who is originally from Brazil, explores many different subjects. The image above is a section of a 26 pencil series - one pencil tip for each letter of the alphabet.2
Pencil SculptureHe also refuses to work with a magnifying glass, and only uses three tools - a razor blade, sewing needle and sculpting knife. Dalton explains his process: "I use the sewing needle to make holes or dig into the graphite. I scratch and create lines and turn the graphite around slowly in my hand"3
Pencil SculptureYou can see here how he has transformed this normal pencil tip in to a highly-detailed boot.4
Pencil SculptureDalton, who has never sold any work and has only given it away to friends, usually spends several months on each figure. The longest piece – a pencil with interlinking chains – took him two and a half years, and he said it was so intricate that people often think it is actually two pencils.5
Pencil SculptureWith all of that delicate detail it's not surprising that some pieces just don't make it to the end. For these unfortunate accidents Dalton has a box - cleverly named 'the cemetery collection' - where he keeps over 100 broken pieces.6
Pencil SculptureLucky for us this very cool carving of Elvis Presley wearing shades made it to the end.7
Pencil SculptureHe also doesn't limit his work to just lead tips. Here he has carved into the wood and revealed a lovely dangling heart charm.8
Pencil SculptureThis piece was carved from the eraser end, which adds to the weight of the mini gravestone.9
Pencil SculptureHere a teeny mailbox and post.10
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