Here Lies Dragons

Archival Wood Cartography

Here Lies Dragons was an experimental crafting enterprise developed by Adam Jackrel, operating at the intersection of antiquarian cartography and modern fabrication. The studio utilized a synthesis of historic and contemporary techniques to bridge the gap between digital precision and tangible heritage.

Initial topographic layers were mapped and precision-cut using laser-etched veneered wood. Following this modern ablation, the pieces were submitted to rigorous, old-world traditional woodworking methods. This meticulous hand-finishing—involving sanding, deep staining, and archival sealing—not only enhanced the intricate details of the terrain but ensured the structural integrity and longevity of each artifact.

Provenance: Extremely limited quality and numbered printings (2015–2019)

The Studio Process

I.

Cartographic Research

Referencing historical maps and modern topographical data to create precise, high-fidelity vector drafts suitable for material translation.

II.

Precision Etching

Utilizing modern CNC laser technology to ablate delicate bathymetric and topographic contour lines directly into raw wood veneers.

III.

Archival Finishing

Applying traditional woodworking techniques—hand-joining, deep staining, and sealing—to transform the raw etching into a robust, gallery-ready heirloom.