Artist Creates Sculptures From Bananas

These a-peeling sculptures are sure to make you go bananas. The detailed works of fruity art – featuring the faces of Elvis and Davey Jones from Pirates of The Caribbean – are carved with a toothpick and a spoon. But there’s no room for slip-ups; each piece is completed in about half an hour, before the bananas start to rot.

When the sculptures are complete Japanese artist Keisuke Yamada photographs them and eats them. Since posting pictures of his monkey business online, the 23-year-old has developed a cult internet following and gets new ideas from his fans’ suggestions.

He has made 11 pieces so far, including a dragon and ghoulish skulls. Mr Yamada said: ‘I started making them about two weeks ago and since posting pictures of them online they have really taken off. ‘It began when I peeled a banana and thought it might be interesting to carve a face into the fruit.

‘The first one was the face of someone with a smile. I was surprised by how many people liked it so then I just started making more. ‘People began to suggest ideas and that was what gave me my inspiration.

‘Before I set about sculpting I think long and hard about exactly what I want it to look like. ‘Then I get to work. I want people to think they are interesting and not believe quite what they are seeing. ‘I just use an ordinary toothpick and a spoon from my house. I’m a perfectionist, and a simple design take about half an hour.

‘They can’t take much longer because then the fruit starts to go brown and I enjoy eating them once the work is done and I’ve taken a photo.’ Mr Yamada, an electrician, said: ‘I’m looking forward to making many more in the future.’ (wrapup)