Alex Diamond Blends Emotion And Innovation Through Striking Wood-Based Artistry

Photo: Alex Diamond in his creative space, showcasing the precision and innovation behind his iconic wood-based sculptures and carvings.

Crafting Art With Layers Of Emotion And Bold Symbolism

Alex Diamond discusses evolving from painting to wood-based sculptures, his storytelling approach to social issues, his inspirations and techniques, advocating creativity’s power to inspire change, and his innovative future plans.

I n the ever-evolving world of contemporary art, few artists embody the essence of reinvention and fearless experimentation quite like Jörg Heikhaus, better known by his artistic moniker, Alex Diamond. With a career spanning over three and a half decades, Heikhaus has carved—both figuratively and literally—a distinctive path that challenges conventions, provokes thought, and bridges the gap between fine artistry and profound storytelling.

Alex Diamond’s works are not merely artistic creations; they are layered narratives pulsing with emotion, introspection, and a resounding call to action. His innovative use of wood as both medium and muse demonstrates a mastery of craft, blending the precision of sculpture with the dynamism of painting. His pieces, imbued with political and social resonance, speak to the urgency of our times while retaining a timeless aesthetic beauty. Whether through his meditative woodcuts, explosive reinterpretations of iconic works, or the bold, unapologetic symbolism of his baseball bat series, Diamond consistently challenges viewers to reflect, engage, and feel.

Alex Diamond fearlessly redefines artistry with innovation, storytelling, and craftsmanship, becoming a global icon for courageous, thought-provoking art.

This issue of WOWwART celebrates not only a prolific artist but also a passionate advocate for tolerance, diversity, and democracy. The layers of Alex Diamond’s creations reveal an artist who transcends visual appeal and instead seeks to spark dialogue and inspire change. From his globally renowned art to the pioneering influence of his heliumcowboy gallery—a beacon for contemporary art—and his thought-provoking “heliumTALK” podcast, Heikhaus continues to push boundaries in a world that often seeks the comfort of easy definitions.

In our interview with Alex Diamond, we delve into his remarkable journey of transformation, from traditional painting to groundbreaking wood-based sculptures, his reflections on the role of the artist in today’s complex world, and his unyielding commitment to growth, experimentation, and authenticity. Join us as we explore the mind and art of this extraordinary individual whose passion reminds us of the essential power of creativity to inspire, challenge, and ultimately transform our perspectives.

Your transformation from traditional painting and photography to wood-based sculptures and carvings is striking. What inspired you to make such a significant shift in your artistic practice?

I worked a lot with wood back then, as a builder, for installations and environments, and I used wood panels for my paintings. When I was asked to donate an artwork on a skateboard for a charity exhibition in 2008, I decided to carve into the board I was provided – it seemed very logical to me. And that changed my art practice completely overnight.

“Emotion is key to my work.”
– Alex Diamond

Storytelling is at the core of your work. How do you approach translating complex social, political, or cultural themes into visuals through your unique woodcut and carving techniques?

It is a thought process while working, a dialogue with the piece or the body of work I am creating. I want to share my ideas and position through the theme and dynamics of the artwork.

“I worked a lot with wood back then…
That changed my art practice completely overnight.”
– Alex Diamond

You often describe your work as a blend of anger, hope, and a call for change. How do you balance these emotional undertones in your art while maintaining an aesthetic appeal?

I am not balancing anything. I just let go – emotion is key to my work.

Your reinterpretations of iconic works, like those by Monet and Egon Schiele, involve a deep connection with the artist and their history. How do you choose which artists or works to reinterpret, and what do you seek to communicate with these reimagined pieces?

I often go back to artists that were influential to me, because there is so much more depth in their work based on the historical backgrounds they worked in. Mostly it is an internal reference for me, but this year for the first time I created a series of four pieces based on Schiele, Monet, Ernst and Turner and their view on nature. 

“Being an artist is not a career choice;
it is an approach to life itself—with no guarantees.”
– Alex Diamond

The Alex Diamond moniker initially began as a conceptual project. What does the name and persona “Alex Diamond” represent to you now, and how has it evolved over the years?

It is the name that stuck. I thought about burying it after the conceptual project ended with the book „Being Alex Diamond“ in 2010. But after years of anonymity as Alex Diamond, most people knew that name better than my real name, so I accepted and embraced it.  

Wood and carving are materials and processes that require patience and planning. Can you talk about how these elements challenge or complement your creative process?

It is actually quite balanced – the wood work, especially the construction, takes a lot of precision and craft, the painting part is impulsive and dynamic, while the carving is very meditative.

You’ve been vocal about political and social issues, including stepping away from social media platforms. How do you see the role of an artist in engaging with and responding to contemporary global challenges?

I cannot speak for other artists, but I think that I have a voice that some people listen to, so I want to make the best of this privilege with taking a stand for tolerance, diversity, climate, anti-fascism and democracy. My conflict, or rather: debate with social media is different, because that has so much influence on what kind of art is being shown and made popular, but basically has nothing to do with art itself.

It establishes a new mainstream that influences especially a younger generation of artists. It changes the art market, which is probably good as that monster needs a refresh every couple of years or so, but it does not change art itself. Being an artist is not a career choice, it is an approach to life itself – with no guarantees. But what we see today is a lot of lifestyle and marketing labelled as art instead of the discourse with depth that should be at the base of its creation. And then there is the factor of wasting time: I only use Instagram, and that already takes up a lot of hours that I rather spend in the studio.

Your baseball bat series explores strong, provocative statements. What inspired this series, and how do you see it resonating with audiences compared to your other works?

The baseball bats are a side project to my drawings, which span way over thousand paper drawings on mostly small format, balancing between humor and irony and romance and anger and … political commentary if you like. I felt that some of these comments needed a stronger … amplification, and that is where the symbolism of baseball bats come into play – everyone really gets that. It is not a very sophisticated, but more in-your-face approach. Sometimes we have to turn the volume up a bit, and with what is happening to our world and to democracy these days I think that is very fitting.

With over 35 years of experience, including running heliumcowboy gallery, how has your perspective on the art world and your place within it changed over time?

I have seen a lot of trends come and go. heliumcowboy once was one of the most influential independent galleries in the world, but today that time in its history is almost forgotten – like a lot of the artistic movement of the early 2000’s. Which is totally normal. Which is probably how it’s supposed to be. Art shouldn’t be a place for monopolies. Neither in aesthetics, genres or the individuals: artists, galleries, collectors. Art should be fluid and re-invent itself again and again.

My place? I am nestled comfortably in a cocoon of confidence and experience. Yes, well, I may have been a more well known and even important artist in the past. And unfortunately today artists don’t age well, especially social media turned it into a young people’s game. But none of that can change my work or motivation to do it. I am an artist, nothing more, nothing less. And as such I can do only what I personally feel is important.    

What excites you most about the future of your art practice? Are there new mediums, themes, or techniques you’re eager to explore in the coming years?

That is the greatest thing of all: the confidence of knowledge. I have no fear experimenting with new things, if I feel like I want to. Just this year I began to chop my characters out of big chunks of trees with the chainsaw and grinding machine. That was an impulsive decision made after I fell a large tree behind our house, saving it from becoming firewood. It felt like a new beginning. And I am sure there are a few of those left in me. 

Editor’s Pick

Alex Diamond’s work is a stunning masterpiece, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and a unique blend of raw artistry.

Alex Diamond’s “VANDAL Chainsaw Sculpture 5” showcases his mastery of transforming birch wood into a bold, evocative piece. Standing tall at 110 cm, this chainsaw-carved sculpture integrates natural textures and smooth forms, blending raw elements with refined aesthetics. The spirit stain enhances its depth and character, embodying Diamond’s commitment to innovation and redefining the boundaries of contemporary wood-based artistry.