Have you ever wondered what happens to all the driftwood that washes up on the shores of Plum Island? Well, Erik, a local artist, has made it his mission to collect and transform this driftwood into stunning aquatic art. With an eye for finding unique pieces that already possess shape and form, Erik brings these treasures back to his garage studio where he works his magic. From whales to mermaids, each piece is different and Erik aims to reveal the hidden beauty within. But there’s more to Erik’s passion than just art – he has a deep connection to the ocean and its offerings, having spent his teenage years collecting driftwood. And now, he even finds wood from century-old shipwrecks on Plum Island. Recently, he had an extraordinary encounter with the owner of a barn nearby who wanted to salvage old boards and timbers. This led Erik to create a brand new collection of whales, all made from the same two-century-old wood. The response to his work has been tremendous, with his pieces nearly sold out at the Blockhouse Gallery in Newburyport. By giving new life to old wood and resurrecting the story of its provenance, Erik’s art reminds us that not all that drifts is lost.
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The Artist’s Process
Collecting Driftwood
When it comes to collecting driftwood, the artist has a discerning eye. He seeks out pieces that resemble found art, ones that have a shape, form, or an interesting characteristic that speaks to him. The artist looks for driftwood that already has something living inside it, crafted by the forces of the ocean and sand. Each piece of driftwood he selects is unique and serves as a starting point for his artistic process.
Finding Inspiration
Once the artist has collected the perfect pieces of driftwood, he searches for inspiration within them. For his primary subject matter – whales – he begins by looking for the eye in the wood. Whether it’s a knot or an imperfection in the grain, he focuses on the right spot to bring out the essence of the whale. When it comes to mermaids, he often finds that it is the tail of the driftwood that directs the direction the art piece is going. By finding inspiration in the shapes and forms of the driftwood, the artist can breathe new life into each unique creation.
Transforming Driftwood into Art
In his garage studio, the artist works diligently to transform the pieces of driftwood into stunning works of art. With years of experience and a passion for craftsmanship, he uses his expertise to reveal the hidden beauty within each piece. Through the use of various tools and techniques, the artist carefully sculpts and shapes the driftwood into remarkable aquatic scenes. The transformation process is an intricate and often time-consuming endeavor that requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the medium. As each piece is completed, the artist witnesses the magic unfold as the driftwood is reborn as stunning works of art.
The History of Plum Island
Early Windmills on Plum Island
In the early 1800s, Plum Island was home to windmills that played a crucial role in the salt works industry. Similar to windmills found on Cape Cod, these structures were used to draw seawater into trenches, where it would evaporate and leave behind salt. The windmills were an integral part of the salt production process on Plum Island, harnessing the power of the wind to aid in the creation of salt.
Destruction and Salvage of the Windmills
Unfortunately, these windmills met their demise during a devastating storm. The destructive forces of nature ravaged the windmills, leaving them in ruins. However, a local farmer at the time saw value in salvaging the remains of the windmills. He took the boards and timbers from the windmills and brought them back to his farm, where they were stored in a barn. These salvaged pieces became a tangible connection to the history and story of the windmills that once stood proudly on Plum Island.
Discovery and Resurrection of the Wood
In a serendipitous turn of events, the artist had a chance encounter with the current owner of the barn where the windmill remains were stored. Wanting to preserve the history and legacy of the wood, the owner reached out to the artist, asking him to salvage the pieces. This presented the artist with an exciting opportunity to resurrect the wood and honor the story of the windmills.
Motivated by the history and significance of these boards, the artist created a brand new pod of whales using the wood from these century-old windmills. Each whale, carved with precision and care, tells a story of resilience and rebirth. The response to these pieces has been overwhelming, with the artwork on display at the Blockhouse Gallery and near sell-out sales in Newburyport. The wood that lay dormant for 200 years has been given a new lease on life, with its provenance and history beautifully restored.
The Masterpieces
A Brand New Pod of Whales
Using the wood from the salvaged windmills, the artist created a stunning collection of whales. Each whale is meticulously crafted to capture the essence and spirit of these majestic creatures. Through his skillful use of the driftwood medium, the artist breathes life into each piece, allowing the wood to tell its own story. The whales, born from the same family of two-century-old wood, serve as a reminder of the power of art to transcend time and connect us to our history.
Display at the Blockhouse Gallery
The masterpieces created by the artist using the salvaged wood from Plum Island’s windmills are now on display at the Blockhouse Gallery. This esteemed gallery provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work and connect with art enthusiasts. The exhibition showcases the artist’s talent and creativity, as well as the rich history and significance of the medium he chose. Visitors to the gallery are captivated by the unique beauty of the driftwood art, and the response has been overwhelming.
Tremendous Response and Sales
The response to the artist’s work has been nothing short of tremendous. The combination of his skillful craftsmanship, the historical significance of the wood, and the captivating beauty of the art has resonated with audiences. Art enthusiasts and collectors have flocked to the Blockhouse Gallery, eager to acquire a piece of this extraordinary collection. The sales have been brisk, with many pieces nearly sold out. The artist’s ability to transform driftwood into stunning works of art has captivated the hearts of many, further solidifying his status as a master of his craft.
The Power of Serendipity
The Universe Waiting for the Pieces to Fall into Place
The story of how the windmill wood found its way into the artist’s life is a testament to the power of serendipity. The pieces of driftwood lay dormant in the barn for generations, waiting patiently for the artist to be born, learn how to use power tools, and develop a passion for creating whales. It was a chance encounter with the current owner of the barn that brought the wood to the forefront of the artist’s creativity. The convergence of events and the alignment of the universe allowed this remarkable story to unfold.
The Significance of the Driftwood
The driftwood, aside from its physical beauty, carries with it a profound significance. It represents a connection to the ocean, nature, and the passage of time. Each piece tells a story of resilience, transformation, and rebirth. Through the artist’s hands, the driftwood is given new purpose and life, carrying the energy and history of the windmills that once stood proudly on Plum Island. The significance of the driftwood serves as a reminder of the power of art to breathe life into forgotten stories and elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Conclusion
The story of the artist who collects driftwood and transforms it into aquatic art serves as a testament to the incredible power of creativity and the interconnectedness of life. The artist’s process of collecting, finding inspiration, and transforming driftwood into stunning art showcases his talent, dedication, and passion for his craft. The historical significance of the windmill wood adds another layer of depth to his work, breathing new life into a forgotten story. The masterpieces created from this wood have garnered a tremendous response, reinforcing the artist’s ability to capture the essence of the ocean and its inhabitants. Through serendipity and a deep connection to his medium, the artist has created a body of work that resonates with audiences and honors the beauty and history of Plum Island.