Whether it’s a piece of bark or a fallen branch, we often ignore these things and leave them lying on the ground. But artist Debra Bernier sees a whole heart beating inside these discarded pieces. She uses her magical talent and turns bark and branches into spectacular driftwood sculptures. Let’s take a look at some spirits of nature and get a sense of how human features are fused together with natural material.
Whether it’s a piece of bark or a fallen branch, we often ignore these things and leave them lying on the ground. But artist Debra Bernier sees a whole heart beating inside these discarded pieces. She uses her magical talent and turns bark and branches into spectacular driftwood sculptures. Let’s take a look at some spirits of nature and get a sense of how human features are fused together with natural material.
The abstract nature of driftwood can produce inspired works of art, brought to life with a little imagination and thoughtful composition.
A walk on the beach is an opportunity to find materials for this artist.
About The Artwork I offer pine decorative sculpture ("space yacht") on the alluvial wood stand without any new cuts, and with an old hand-forached hinge in original patina. The sculpture is humidity stabilized, cleaned, suitable especially to the Interior without surface treatment (it is not necessary and may not be suitable). Wood was lying in the ground 10 to 20 years, which has created a unique structure and shape. Sculpture issued a beautiful pine-resinous scent, and certainly can be an original complement to the modern interiors. Original Created:2020 Subjects:Interiors Materials:WoodSteel Styles:organic Mediums:WoodMetal Details & Dimensions Sculpture:Wood on Wood Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork Size:28.7 W x 35.4 H x 11.8 D in Frame:Not Framed Ready to Hang:Not applicable Packaging:Ships in a Crate Shipping & Returns Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments. Handling:Ships in a wooden crate for additional protection of heavy or oversized artworks. Crated works are subject to an $80 care and handling fee. Artists are responsible for packaging and adhering to Saatchi Art’s packaging guidelines. Ships From:Slovakia. Customs:Shipments from Slovakia may experience delays due to country's regulations for exporting valuable artworks. Have additional questions? Please visit our help section or contact us.
"The Sea Monster" is and unique wooden driftwood abstract artwork, made by a renown Bulgarian art designer with over 20 years of experience in interior and exterior design. It is an ideal addition to any art collection that features natural elements. It's imaginative, alien-like appearance fascinates the imagination and attracts immediate attention. . The characteristic features of the sculpture are the product of a painstaking process of seeking and combining hundreds of different wooden particles, found in riverbeds. The artwork would be an indispensable centrepiece to any home environment, adding the touch of the most prolific designer and creator who ever existed - Nature.
Been to the beach lately? My favorite beach activity is collecting driftwood. I love its weathered, rustic look that makes great DIY home decor. But, first, how do you clean and preserve driftwood? Read on for tips to get rid of the salt and junk from the ocean so it will last for years.
"The Harp" is and unique wooden driftwood abstract artwork, made by a renown Bulgarian art designer with over 20 years of experience in interior and exterior design. It is an ideal addition to any art collection that features natural elements. The alien features of the abstract figure are the product of combining different particles and natural materials. The artwork would be an indispensable centrepiece to any home environment, adding the touch of the most prolific designer and creator who ever existed - Nature.
artpropelled.tumblr.com Bird Driftwood Sculptures by Tony Fredriksson-reddit.com plus.google.com Tony Fredriksson
A walk on the beach is an opportunity to find materials for this artist.
Source: Flickr
This is the second Sculpture in my driftwood "Awaken" series. It is carved from spalted maple driftwood and perched above a California Redwood live edge base. Due to the porous nature of driftwood, a hardening oil (Danish oil) was used to seal the wood from within before adding a satin finish polyurethane. This gives the wood an ultra smooth glass like finish. Measuring 24"×38"×16", this one of a kind sculpture will make the perfect addition to your art collection and is sure to be a conversation starter. Awaken: Unveiling the Captivating Beauty of the Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture The natural world has a way of inspiring awe and wonder in us all. From the intricate patterns on a butterfly's wings to the majesty of a towering redwood tree, nature is full of captivating beauty. The Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture is a stunning example of this beauty, combining the organic textures of driftwood with the intricate patterns created by spalting. This unique piece of art is sure to awaken your senses and transport you to a world of natural wonder. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture, exploring its history, the process of creating it, and the many ways it can be used to enhance your home décor. 1. Introduction: Discovering the captivating beauty of the Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture Introduction: Discovering the Captivating Beauty of the Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture Nature has an incredible way of creating breathtaking works of art, and the Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture is no exception. Crafted from the remnants of a once majestic maple tree, this unique piece of art showcases the stunning beauty that lies within the natural world. As you gaze upon the Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture, you can't help but be captivated by its intricate details and organic charm. The artist has expertly preserved the essence of the wood, allowing its natural grain patterns and textures to shine through. Each twist and turn tells a story of resilience and transformation, as the wood has weathered the elements and found its new purpose in the form of this stunning sculpture. The spalting process, which occurs when fungi invade the wood, creates exquisite patterns and marbling effects that are truly mesmerizing. The contrast between the dark lines of the spalting and the lighter hues of the maple wood creates a visual harmony that is both striking and harmonious. This driftwood sculpture is not just a testament to the beauty of nature, but also to the skill and creativity of the artist. Through their meticulous craftsmanship, they have transformed a discarded piece of wood into a work of art that evokes a sense of wonder and awe. Whether displayed in a contemporary art gallery or as a centerpiece in your home, the Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its organic elegance and timeless appeal make it a conversation starter and a true statement piece. It invites you to explore the hidden depths of nature's beauty and appreciate the artistry that can be found in the most unexpected places. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the process of creating this captivating sculpture, the symbolism behind its design, and the ways in which it can be incorporated into your decor. Join us on this journey of discovery as we unveil the captivating beauty of the Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture. 2. What is spalted maple and why is it special? Spalted maple, a term that may be unfamiliar to many, holds within it a world of captivating beauty waiting to be unveiled. It is a type of wood that has undergone a natural transformation, creating unique patterns and colors that are truly mesmerizing to behold. So, what exactly is spalted maple? It is a result of a fungal process that occurs in dead or decaying maple wood. The fungi interact with the wood fibers, releasing enzymes that break down the cellulose and lignin, resulting in stunning patterns and streaks of contrasting colors. These colors can range from dark lines of black or gray to delicate shades of brown, creating a visual tapestry that is both striking and intricate. What makes spalted maple truly special is its rarity and the serendipitous nature of its creation. It is not something that can be replicated or manufactured artificially. Each piece of spalted maple carries its own story, shaped by the unique conditions under which it developed. This makes every spalted maple sculpture a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, infused with the essence of nature's creativity. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, spalted maple also possesses practical benefits. The fungal decay that occurs in the wood makes it softer and easier to work with, allowing sculptors to shape it into intricate forms that would be challenging with other types of wood. Its unique patterns and colors add an extra dimension of visual interest, making it a preferred choice for artisans and craftsmen seeking to create truly remarkable pieces. Whether used in furniture, flooring, or, in this case, a driftwood sculpture, spalted maple brings an air of elegance and natural allure to any setting. The intricate patterns and rich colors command attention, evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty that can arise from the interplay of life and decay. So, next time you encounter a spalted maple driftwood sculpture, take a moment to marvel at the captivating beauty it holds. Allow yourself to be transported to a world where nature's artistry shines through, reminding us of the boundless creativity that lies within our natural surroundings. 3. The art of driftwood sculpting: A brief history and its unique appeal The art of driftwood sculpting is a fascinating practice that combines artistic vision with the raw, organic beauty of nature. It is a craft that dates back centuries, with roots in ancient civilizations that recognized the artistic potential of weathered wood washed ashore by the tides. Driftwood sculpting involves transforming these remnants of trees into stunning works of art that captivate the imagination. Artists carefully select pieces of driftwood, each with its own unique shape, texture, and story to tell. With their skilled hands and artistic sensibility, they breathe new life into the weathered wood, unveiling its hidden beauty. What makes driftwood sculpting truly special is the way it embraces the imperfections and natural characteristics of the wood. The knots, cracks, and weathered texture become integral parts of the sculpture, enhancing its character and adding depth to the artwork. The result is a mesmerizing blend of art and nature, where the sculptor's creative vision harmonizes with the organic forms and contours of the driftwood. The appeal of driftwood sculptures lies in their ability to evoke a sense of connection to the natural world. The intricate patterns and smooth curves of the sculpted wood transport viewers to tranquil shores, where the ebb and flow of the ocean shaped these unique pieces. There is a certain mystique to driftwood, as if it holds secrets from distant lands and whispers of forgotten stories. Moreover, driftwood sculptures carry a sense of timelessness and nostalgia. They are a reminder of the ever-changing nature of existence, the cycles of life and decay, and the beauty that emerges from unexpected places. Each sculpture tells a story, inviting viewers to contemplate the journey of the wood and appreciate the artistry that transformed it. Whether displayed in a gallery, a living room, or an outdoor space, a spalted maple driftwood sculpture has the power to captivate and inspire. Its intricate details and organic forms invite exploration and spark conversations. It serves as a testament to the skill and creativity of the artist, as well as a celebration of the captivating beauty found in the unlikeliest of places. In conclusion, the art of driftwood sculpting combines history, nature, and artistic vision to create extraordinary pieces of art. The allure of these sculptures lies in their ability to transport viewers to serene shores and evoke a sense of wonder. The spalted maple driftwood sculpture, in particular, showcases the unique appeal of this art form, with its mesmerizing patterns and timeless beauty. 4. The creative process behind the Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture The creation of the Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture is a fascinating journey that merges the raw beauty of nature with the skill and imagination of the artist. The process begins with the careful selection of the spalted maple driftwood, which showcases unique and intricate patterns created by fungi that have partially decayed the wood. Once the perfect piece of driftwood is chosen, the artist begins the delicate task of cleaning and preparing the wood for sculpting. This involves removing any loose bark, sanding the surface, and treating it to ensure its durability and longevity. The natural imperfections and weathered texture of the driftwood are carefully preserved, adding character and charm to the final piece. Next, the artist envisions the sculpture's form and allows the natural shape and contours of the driftwood to guide the creative process. With each curve and crevice serving as inspiration, the sculptor carefully carves and shapes the wood, unveiling the hidden beauty within. Throughout the creative process, the artist pays close attention to detail, ensuring that every stroke and cut accentuates the unique features of the spalted maple driftwood. The intricate patterns, ranging from dark lines to vibrant splashes of color, come alive under the artist's skillful hands. Finally, the sculpture is treated with a protective finish, enhancing the wood's natural beauty and preserving its integrity for years to come. The finished Spalted Maple Driftwood Sculpture captivates viewers with its organic elegance, as it effortlessly blends the artistry of the sculptor with the timeless allure of nature. This cr
Debra Bernier is a talented and extraordinary sculptor of forest spirits from Canada. She doesn’t make anything from scratch but uses materials created by nature itself. With mixed techniques she removes all that is unnecessary and reveals the true appearance of the wood. All of her masterpieces are full of emotion. It’s not just art, but also the essence of love and beauty. Just have a look!
Tony finds most of his inspiration for his driftwood sculptures in organically weathered pieces of wood. Every piece tells...
Debra Bernier is a talented artist from Canada who makes incredible sculptures out of driftwood as well as other natural materials, such as seashells, dried mushrooms, roots, bones, crystals and so much more.
Totem
Multi-media artist Kirsty Elson uses the bits of driftwood, shells, and other seaside scraps in her home in Cornwall, England to produce unique sculptures that imitate the surrounding seaside homes. Elson recreates the quaint cottages with minimal paint, utilizing bottle caps for lighthouse roofs, rusted nails for chimneys, and metal washers for decorative lifesavers. “The great thing about driftwood is that each piece is very different,” she explains in an interview with Studio Wallop. More
Debra Bernier is a talented artist from Canada who makes incredible sculptures out of driftwood as well as other natural materials, such as seashells, dried mushrooms, roots, bones, crystals and so much more.
I offer pine decorative sculpture on the industiral cast iron stand, humidity stabilized, manually cleaned, suitable especially to the Interior without surface treatment (it is not necessary and may not be suitable). Wood was lying in the ground 10 to 20 years, which has created a unique deep structure and shape. Sculpture issued a beautiful pine-resinous scent, and certainly can be an original complement too to modern interiors.
Debra Bernier is a talented and extraordinary sculptor of forest spirits from Canada. She doesn’t make anything from scratch but uses materials created by nature itself. With mixed techniques she removes all that is unnecessary and reveals the true appearance of the wood. All of her masterpieces are full of emotion. It’s not just art, but also the essence of love and beauty. Just have a look!
Debra Bernier is a talented artist from Canada who makes incredible sculptures out of driftwood as well as other natural materials, such as seashells, dried mushrooms, roots, bones, crystals and so much more.
Bandalier Sculpture design by Cyan Design 12"(w) x 60.75"(h) Walnut Cyan Design makes fabulous home décor items that not only help you create a warm and inviting space, but also one of fun and playfulness. We hope you have as much fun displaying their creative and exciting designs as Cyan does in creating them. ...Read More *This item is excluded from sale events and not available for additional discounting or promotional offers.
Unique driftwood sculpture. Crafted from driftwood and rocks found on the beaches of the Pacific Northwest. Perfect centerpiece with or without included air plant. Note: air plant shown may differ from actual air plant shipped. Approximate Dimensions: 24"x5"x5"
Driftwood fireplace screen, Fireplace decor,Driftwood fireplace insert, Driftwood sculpture Elegance, sophistication and natural beauty are some of the words that describe this driftwood sculpture made of driftwood handpicked from the Greek shores of the Aegean sea, a sea arm of the Mediterranean. This sculptural driftwood art brings the Ocean inside with its unique stylish design and is in harmony with every style house .An amazing style statement. Perfect to decorate your empty fireplace. Due to the nature of the materials used, two will never be the same but with the same philosophy made and each one will be just stunning. Make your mark in your home. Make your home memorable. Length 66cm /26" approx. Height 60cm /23.6”approx. Width 23cm/ 9”approx. When your item is ready, I will email you a picture of it for your approval before shipping.
I want to make a Heron out of pieces of driftwood, but how do I make them stay together?? Nails? Glue? WHAT!!! HELP PLEASE!!!
Source: athomearkansas
Fish Driftwood Sculptures & Art - Tony Fredriksson Open Sky Woodart in White River, Mpumalanga, Fish Gallery Sculptures by Tony Fredriksson
Georgian Bay Driftwood Art - Get custom made unique driftwood art for your home , chalet, or cottage. A photo gallery of driftwood art
Nagato Iwasaki is one of those artists you don't know much about. But his art talks for itself. The Japan-based artist creates incredible driftwood sculptures.
DUE TO ITS SIZE AND WEIGHT, THIS PIECE CANNOT BE SHIPPED - LOCAL DELIVERY ONLY. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED. Materials: Ponderosa Pine from Cherokee Park, Colorado Height: 73 inches Width: 19 inches Depth: 14 inches Often overlooked as weeds or litter on the forest floor, these works are the branches, bark or roots of native Colorado trees and shrubs. I explore all over our forests looking for interesting pieces of trees made even more intriguing by many years of decay and erosion by the elements. Back at the studio, I clean and stabilize these pieces, followed by some gentle sculpting and shaping to bring out the best of the natural form. I pay special attention to the textures involved and make sure each piece is as satisfying to touch as to view. The bases used to support and display the pieces are each handmade or enameled hardwood and designed to complement the work. The sculptures do not require any maintenance (beyond occasional dusting) and are a simple yet elegant way to bring your love of the outdoors into your home. For each sculpture purchased a donation will be made to the Colorado State Forest Service to plant a new tree. To read the story of Colorado Forest Sculpture, visit my website www.BlueHorseSculpture.com Thank you for you interest in my work.
Tides of Life - Acacia Wood, Malachite, Quartz Crystal, High Polish Stainless-Steel Base, LED Lights
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What better way to dress up your cottage than with a piece of art made from driftwood? There's nothing more rustic than wood that's been washed ashore by
Debra Bernier is a talented artist from Canada who makes incredible sculptures out of driftwood as well as other natural materials, such as seashells, dried mushrooms, roots, bones, crystals and so much more.
Been to the beach lately? My favorite beach activity is collecting driftwood. I love its weathered, rustic look that makes great DIY home decor. But, first, how do you clean and preserve driftwood? Read on for tips to get rid of the salt and junk from the ocean so it will last for years.
Source: athomearkansas
A section of the Driftwood Wall mosaic in the Humboldt Room of the Homestead Building at Camp Glenorchy This is another essay about one of the many projects I worked on while I was at Camp Glenorchy, north of Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand. The area is one of spectacular beauty, which was the primary inspiration for the things that I built there. Driftwood washed up on the shore of Lake Wakatipu at 25 Mile Creek I normally work with stone and plants, building gardens and mosaics. The main focus of my involvement with the Camp was the Braided Rivers Project. Camp Glenorchy is the philanthropic endeavor of an American couple who I had worked for at the Islandwood School several years ago: https://jeffreygardens.blogspot.com/2011/06/artist-in-residency-at-islandwood.html This was followed seven years later by the commission of the Halls Hill Labyrinth: http://jeffreygardens.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-halls-hill-labyrinth-essay.html A couple of years after completing the Labyrinth I was brought to New Zealand to work on Camp Glenorchy. I spent 6 months, starting in November of 2016, and then returned the following November for another 6 months. An article about Camp Glenorchy in Mindfood Magazine Early on I showed my client a photo of a driftwood mosaic built by an amazing stone artist named Lew French, from Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. I built a garden in Chilmark on the Vineyard for actors Brooke Adams and Tony Shalhoub and was able to see some of Lew French's fantastic work. My Mother gave me a copy of his beautiful book, Stone by Design for Christmas. While he works primarily with stone, he sometimes incorporated driftwood in to his mosaics. Turns out I'd be following in his footsteps. A stone and driftwood mosaic by Lew French On the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the area where I was working you can find wonderful specimens of driftwood, waterworn knarls of roots, trunks, branches, and burls. I began collecting interesting pieces in my compulsive way for adorning the rather forlorn area around the Caravan trailer I lived in behind the general store. The photo I showed to my client inspired her to propose that I build an ambitious wall mosaic of driftwood in the Humboldt Room of the camp's lodge. The wall is 2 stories high and faces the Humboldt mountain range across the lake, seen through two sets of glass doors and a window centered in the gable. I was a little taken aback by the scale of this concept, as I had never built a driftwood mosaic before. After doing a fair amount of searching on the internet I came to the conclusion that this might end up being the largest of its kind in the world! A good place to start... The wall slated to become a driftwood mosaic Fortunately I was able to work with a local master carpenter named Matt Hood, who had created wonderful wall compositions and trims in the room using recycled timber salvaged from demolished structures all over the South Island. Camp Glenorchy was built in compliance with the Living Building Challenge, which has the highest environmental standard for construction in the world, and dictates that recycled materials be used whenever possible. Salvaged wood and corrugated sheet metal from demolished wool sheds, stock yard buildings, and structures damaged by the Christchurch earthquake were purchased or donated, and brought to the camp. These timbers and planks exude character derived from the kind of wood they are, and the layers of old paint applied to them. They were sanded to reveal the underlying grain while retaining some of the color. Then they were composed, and innovatively incorporated in to the design and embellishment of a variety of structures. Rustic light fixtures were created with salvaged steel by Glenorchy artist Dan Kelly. A mixture of various painted and natural finish boards artfully collaged by Matt Hood in to the walls and trim of the Humboldt Room. Light fixtures, wryly nicknamed "Dan's Cans" hang from the ceiling. We had to divise a method of attaching the driftwood in a way that would be structurally durable but with no visible fasteners. Matt proposed that we screw the individual pieces from behind through sheets of strand board using screws of varying lengths, depending on the thickness of the driftwood. I suggested that a sample panel be built underneath a window in a niche between cabinets in the room as a way to try out the method we could use later. Matt took this project on while I was building the Geologic Wall in the next room, and fabricated a detailed miniature prototype. A prototype panel by Matt Hood in a window niche, with an ammonite fossil on the ledge I had been collecting driftwood for some time, including along the West and South coasts of the island during exploratory adventures. Whenever I found a cool looking piece of wood on the beach I would carry it back to my truck to add to the pile. The thing about large mosaics is that you need a lot of material to work with, more than you will actually use because its the ones that fit well that make the final cut. You have to have great patience and perseverance to manifest this kind of art. Beautiful wood collected from the shoreline near Kinloch on Lake Wakatipu The camp officially opened in Mid March of 2018. The day before the opening, I was asked if I could mock up a section of wood mosaic so that people at the dedication ceremony could get an idea of what would eventually be covering the unfinished plywood. So I spent the afternoon tacking pieces together with finish nails in a temporary fashion. It was good practice fitting together the different shaped pieces and developing a sense of how the multitude of forms and colors of driftwood could be composed in to an artistic whole. Temporary mock up of a section of driftwood mosaic for the dedication ceremonies When we finally started work on the wall, we needed a far greater selection of raw material, so Matt and I drove around the Lake to the resort village of Kinloch, where the Dart River flows in to the lake. Vast amounts of driftwood are carried down the river and deposited along the shoreline here. The sheer volume of what we found in a couple of kilometers of lakeshore provided enough driftwood to mosaic the entire town of Glenorchy. Driftwood naturally piled along the lakeshore by the current of the Dart River One of the most interesting things about this material is that it represents all of the different types of wood found on the forests mountainsides that surround the rivers that flow in to the Dart and eventually in to the lake. There are hardwoods, wonderful red colored Totara, Red and Silver Beech, Southern Rata, Coprosma, and even exotic Goarse that was brought from Scotland to use in hedgerows. A lush mixed forest of Red Beech (Fuscospora fusca) and Totara (Podocarpus totara) with an understory of Coprosma sp, Pittosporum sp, and many ferns along the Routeburn River Each part of a tree is different. If a storm topples an entire tree in to a river, and it washes down to the lake, it will be broken on its journey in to smaller pieces that are eventually worn to a smooth finish. Roots structures are the most interesting as they snake through each other in fantastic shapes. Sometimes they hold stones like a gem set in organic jewelry. Burls can look like faces and ears. Trunks and branches with knots can look like birds, seals, witches and snakes. We often animated them, holding a piece over our faces and making funny sounds. The knarlier the piece of wood, the knarlier the character would be. These are literally the bones of trees, and they have many stories to tell. Smoking So the obsession began. We filled my truck. Then we filled Matt's trailer. Then he started showing up in the morning with more driftwood on a regular basis. We decided to work off site by the Caravan trailer that I lived in behind Mrs. Wooley's Store because I had a leaky shed we could work under if it rained. There was also space to unload and pile wood, and we didn't need safety fencing around us like we would onsite, and not be intrusive to guests staying there. The piles of wood grew to the point that it was hard to get to my door and I had to clear paths to keep from tripping and falling at night. Matt and I were like beavers once we started collecting driftwood A truck full of driftwood treasure. There is so much that you couldn't tell we had been there. Matt cut panels of strandboard in to the shapes of the sections of wall we were covering. This way we could screw the driftwood from behind, attaching it securely in place, with surprising strength. He ordered a selection of different lengths of self drilling wood screws so that we could access the thickness we were drilling in to and then use a screw that went in as far as possible without poking out the other side. I cut stones on my wet saw so that we could glue them flat side down to the strandboard, and then perfectly frame them with naturally fitted eyelids of driftwood. Originally we planned to make a Tree of Life, with a tree trunk trimmed flat on one side that would fit between the two sets of double doors and then branch out above them. But a green lighted Exit sign went up right where the crown would have started. While it would have been very cool, it was logistically much more involved to create a tree, so we went with a different concept. Wood and stone interconnected to create eyes There is a famous Maori legend of a Sleeping Giant that lies in the lake that helps explain the rising and falling of the water's surface in a tide like fashion. This link describes the story well. https://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/blog/queenstown-blog/the-legend-of-lake-wakatipu/ It was suggested by a woman with Maori ancestry working on the project that we allude to the Sleeping Giant in some way with the mosaic. I also had in my mind that a number of forest and water spirits intertwined in the work would as a whole would represent the spirit the giant. Tourists have made teepees with driftwood on the beach at 25 Mile Creek on Lake Wakatipu We would compose the driftwood in a section, finding pieces that nested together as if they were meant to be intertwined. I often say an affirmative "yesss!" when something slides perfectly in to place. Then we would screw that section together to secure it and continue onward. We used a lot of small pieces wood and pebbles to fill in the background gaps so that the strandboard wouldn't be visible. Once a panel was sufficiently covered, we lined it up with the one that would be connecting to it and attached more wood to it so that they would interlock seamlessly when we put them up on the wall. It was a learning process and things didn't always go as planned, but we were fastideous and made it work with the necessary adjustments. Working on a panel that would fit in a strip by the doors Once the panel was ready we would flip it over and Matt would trim the edges with a Skil and hand saw. The first ones we made went on either sides of the doors. Beautiful repurposed hardwood planks frame the doors and the panels had to fit behind those, and be flush with the walls at the corners. The trick there was that the walls are planked with varying thicknesses of boards that were uneven, so our panels got stuck on the thicker protruding ones. Matt Hood trimming the edges The first panels were large and we realized how heavy they were when it was time to move them, especially because of the weight of the stones and some of the dense hardwoods. We took the door trim off, made some adjustments to get the panel in to place, and then used heavy duty screws to bolt it to the wall. It was exciting to see the beginning to what would eventually become a dramatic work of art. The first panel in place Ironically, I think that the first panel we made is perhaps the most successful section of the wall for its composition and mixing of colors. Each following section has its own character depending on who was composing it. The other side of the door had the issue of a red fire alarm and a motion detector that we had to build around. The trappings of public buildings meeting code requirements is one of the joys of working on such projects. This side had to be done in 3 interlocking panels to fit around these units, which were neatly trimmed in hardwood frames. We actually did one of the panels backwards and had to do some adjustments to remedy this simple error. The measurements needed to be exact for the panels to slide in to place. Felted wool pieces beautifully appliqued to make a panel of the braided Dart River by local artist Amanda Hasselman If you take your time and really study the wall, you will discover a miriad of the details. Each piece of wood has a character unto its own, a root that circumnavigated a boulder, a branch that once reached for sunlight, knots that look like eyes, a fork stick that makes a mouth. Its not unusual for our minds to create associations related to that which we find familiar, and there are hundreds of creatures intermingling here. A close up view of the panel on the left side of the doors Once we had reached the top of the doors on either side we could start making panels that were more horizontal, spanning the wider space between the wall and the window. We could use longer and thicker pieces here that projected further from the wall. Some of the compositions are rather chaotic with so many wild shapes. I tried to include large driftwood to contrast all the little bits that were busily finding their way in to the mosaic. A panel made to fit over the doors. When we reached the gable, the panels had to be cut at an angle. Because the ceiling has acoustical fabric overlaid with strips of hardwood, the angled edge had to be trimmed with individual pieces once the panels were in place. We also had to work around two beams that support the ceiling. Fitting panels around the window and Exit sign Maori wood carving in the Te Papa Museum in Wellington We used a very fancy sissor lift to hoist the panels up and then positioned and bolted them to the wall. The Skyjack is an awesome machine that made the project logistically manageable. I was also able to attach wood to the wall in situ because this part is higher up and individual pieces of wood could be screwed in from the top where the fasteners couldn't be seen from the floor. I incorporated some paua (abalone) shells that were given to me for their reflective quality. Cut pieces of Paua are used for the eyes in traditional wood carving. More spotlights were added to illuminate the wall better. Getting ready to fill in another section of the gable Closing in the final triangular sections of the gable on the sissorlift I finished the gable by creating an somewhat masonic looking mountain pyramid that speaks to the Humboldt Mountains that the room is named after. These dramatic mountains are visible through the glass doors and window. A paua shell eye gazes from the peak to suggest the collective wisdom of Nature watching over the lake and everything around it. A Paua Shell in the Eye of the Mountain People staying at the camp would come by to see the progress and return later with others to show them this crazy work of art coming to fruition. Its tangled composition captures the wild character of the places we collected the wood by the lake. Driftwood washed up on the lakeshore near Kinloch Our Muse The Sleeping Giant rippling on the waters of Lake Wakatipu Once this project was finished I had fulfilled my goals for what was an intense and highly productive 6 months building homages to the magnificent beauty that surrounds the town of Glenorchy. Before I left we held a dance in the Humboldt Room to christen the wall. It was a magical celebration in a magical space. Dancing with Driftwood, a beautiful way to honor a labor of love. Thanks for reading always, Jeffrey
A piece of bark, a broken trunk, a fallen branch or a scattered twig. These things are often ignored, but artist Debra Bernier turns them into art.
