tips on making diptych

hi everyone, I want to make a diptych to honor a text I really like and I have a pretty concrete idea in mind, but I lack experience with woodworking and carving. I may have some experts to fall back on should I fail, but I want to give it a shot first.

so, my general idea is to have two wooden plates, carve a motif into each, paint over it (maybe lacquer??? I'm seriously clueless, please tell me when my ideas are stupid) and then paint the text on top. of course, good contrast and little clutter under the text, the painting is supposed to be relatively simple, though perhaps more ornamental around the edges. I also think I'd like to paint/lacquer the outside and maybe write the title on there, too.

thoughts, suggestions, criticisms? what wood should I try, what are good ways to achieve my vision?

I am pretty much a beginner. I know a few basic techniques and have worked with soft beginner woods only, but I'm willing to grow as I'm working on it and maybe redo it a few times. Thanks for any and all help!