Faux bois (from the French for false wood) refers to the artistic imitation of wood or wood grains in various media. The craft has roots in the Renaissance with trompe-l'œil. It was probably first crafted with concrete using a steel armature by the inventor of ferrocement, Joseph Monier. In 1875, Monier created the first bridge of reinforced concrete at Chazelet, France. It was sculpted to resemble timbers and logs[1].
Ferrocement faux bois uses a combination of concrete, mortar and grout applied to a steel frame or armature to sculpt life-like representations of wooden objects. Final sculpting can be done while the mixture is wet, in a putty state, or slightly stiff. Techniques vary among artisans. Most popular in the late 19th century through the 1940s, ferrocement faux bois has largely disappeared with the passing of those most expert in its practice. What few objects remain from that peak period (mostly in the form of garden art, such as planters and birdbaths) are now highly prized by collectors.
In Mexico, this style was known as "El Trabajo Rústico" (The Rustic Work). One highly regarded artist who worked in this style was Dionicio Rodriguez, a Mexican who relocated to Texas in the early 1920s. Although not widely known, his large-scale faux bois installations have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places[1]. Dionicio's great-nephew is one of the handful of artists still creating Faux Bois today.