Miles Van Rensselaer using everything from glass and crystal to bronze and iron, from gold and silver to tooth and bone, from steel, copper and lead to wood, clay, feather and hair. He has been fortunate enough to work – and humbled by working – with and among talented artists from all over the world. His work is his homage to these people and their vanishing ways of life, his translation of their technique, imagery, idea of “primitive” art into modern Western materials.

An ancient sculpture is displayed in the Kabul Museum August 4, 2011 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The sculptures, which had been destroyed by Islamists during the Taliban regime, were repaired after the collapse of the hardliners in 2001. Portions of the collection have been exhibited in seven countries. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

A sculpture is displayed at the Olympic Sculptures Exhibition at the Sculpture Park September 4, 2006 in Changchun of Jilin Province, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Children admire the work “Little Lost Boy” by Australian artist Paul Trefry is seen on Tamarama Beach as part of the Sculptures By The Sea outdoor art exhibition on November 10, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

“Japanese artist and designer Makoto Tojiki innovatively uses light as his primary medium of expression. In his latest exhibition, No Shadow, Tojiki manipulates thousands of small hanging lights to create 3D images of a man and animals. I’m pretty amazed by how the artist is able to “see” the image while meticulously placing the lights. Makoto’s creativity doesn’t stop at light production; he is also involved in jewelry making and furniture design”. (Photos by Ryo Ishihara/Josh Rothman)