Unfortunately we're seeing less and less of the traditional Lebanese home. Luckily, there are tremendous efforts to preserve and pay tribute to Lebanese architecture, including those of Chawki Yazbeck.

The above work isn't an actual window; it's a decorative, handcrafted work by Chawki. It's a little over 1 meter in height, similar to a standard painting in size. 

Chawki starts by carving away and sculpting a piece of wood, and embellishing it with acrylic, modeling paste, and plenty of other craft materials. 

I came across his works a few years back in the permanent Jbeil exhibition in the souks (before I started blogging) and was shocked by how intricate his works are. 

Chawki tells me he got into creating his miniature works while sculpting a grotte for Christmas. With the remaining wood, he created a small miniature house and equipped it with its accompanying furniture. 

Never before has a Lebanese craftsman created something even remotely similar. At least, I've never seen it. In fact, with the exception of movies - I rarely see any miniature 3D works anymore anywhere. Naturally, I'm excited to finally feature his work.

Impressed is an understatement in describing my sentiments. His work require patience and an overwhelming attention to detail, which, in my humblest of opinions, has become quite rare in modern and contemporary art. There's a respect that I will always owe to those who dedicate a huge chunk of their time to a single piece of work.