From Input to Output: The Art Behind the Pieces

Every wooden wall hanging I create starts the same way: with a spark of curiosity.

I named this piece Primary Equation, but the real story begins before the name—back when I was simply playing with placement. As I shifted the main outer pieces around, something clicked. I formed an open-ended isosceles triangle and instinctively began drawing arcs to connect the lines.

Suddenly, I was back in high school geometry—using compasses, sketching arcs, and discovering how structure and creativity can coexist. That moment of rediscovery became the foundation for Primary Equation.

These pieces are intentionally loose and almost randomly assembled, yet deeply considered. I’m drawn to lines and shapes that come together to create something I hope feels both artful and unique. This Input / Output concept is how I frame my creative process: what inspires a piece, and what it ultimately becomes.

Barbie, Reimagined

Each wooden wall hanging begins with inspiration, and sometimes that inspiration comes from unexpected places.

This piece was commissioned for a tween girl’s room—one infused with pink, playful sophistication, and personality. The hallway leading to her bedroom featured a Barbie Dream House, and I wanted to honor her love for Barbie in a way that felt elevated and artistic.

The result was a free-form, spray-painted piece that brought her environment into the art itself. Watching her face light up and hearing her say, “I love it!” was all the confirmation I needed.

Disney Color & Nostalgia

I spent nine years on staff at Disney, and then had the joy of working with them as a client for another ten years. That influence runs deep—Pixie Dust still flows through my veins.

For this piece, the inspiration was Mickey Mouse’s iconic color palette. Simple. Bold. Instantly recognizable. Translating that nostalgia into a modern, handcrafted form felt like closing a creative loop between my past and present.

Art With a Story

Each finished piece is more than wood and paint—it’s the result of memories, movement, and moments of inspiration layered together.

If you’d like to learn more about my work or inquire about a custom piece, you can email me at merick@alianda.com.

Thanks for being here and stepping into my creative process with me