From Minnamurra River to the Studio: The Story Behind Bound as One
Every piece of salvaged timber carries a past life—weathered by tides, shaped by currents, and left waiting along our South Coast waterways. But some pieces demand a bit more effort to bring home than others.
The Discovery: A Swim Against the Current
It started like many of my studio days: a quiet stroll and a refreshing swim down at the Minnamurra River inlet.
Looking out across the water, something caught my attention drifting near the sandbank—a long, heavy, beautifully weathered piece of natural timber. I knew immediately it had potential, but getting it back to shore was another story.
What followed was a strenuous swim back across the inlet, battling the outgoing current with one hand while holding the timber above water with the other. By the time I reached safe ground, my arms were burning, but I had the raw material for what would become one of my favorite works to date.
Revealing the Form: From One Branch to Two
Back in the studio, the natural geometry of the wood began to dictate its outcome. The single piece was long and featured striking organic knots at either end.
To honor the grain and unlock its balance, I carefully divided the timber into two distinct halves.
Cutting the piece revealed fascinating internal character: natural hollows, dense grain lines, and raw structural curves that seemed meant to stand side by side.
The Finished Artwork: Bound as One
After extensive hand-carving, fine abrasive sanding, and applying a rich natural oil finish, the two separate halves were brought together on a custom dark plinth.
The result is Bound as One.
Though carved from two distinct sections of the original Minnamurra timber, the pieces lean into each other, creating a sense of dynamic movement, shared history, and structural unity. The deep hollows at the top invite the viewer to look closer, mirroring the natural tidal erosion of the river where the wood was found.
Bringing the River Home
Bound as One stands as a direct connection to the South Coast ecosystem—a piece born from the river, retrieved through pure effort, and transformed into a lasting work of fine art.
Explore the Gallery: You can view detailed photos, specs, and display options for Bound as One directly in the collection gallery.
Studio Inquiries: Interested in acquiring Bound as One or learning more about salvaged timber sculptures? Feel free to reach out directly via our inquiry form.
"Every piece of salvaged timber carries its own history before it reaches the workshop. Working with Australian native hardwoods requires listening to the natural grain and allowing the form to emerge organically through each stage of the carving process."
From Fallen Timber to Form: The Life Cycle of Australian Hardwood Sculptures
Every sculpture begins with a walk, a sharp eye, and a deep respect for the land.
While wandering along one of the secluded beaches between Kiama and Gerringong on the coastal walk, I spotted a piece of Australian hardwood lying among the pebbles, weathered by wind, salt, and tide. Many would walk past it as simple drift timber, but when you stop to inspect and analyze the natural shape, form, and grain, you instantly feel how it wants to be transformed.
In truth, nature has already done the heavy lifting over decades. My role as a sculptor is not to force a rigid shape onto the wood, but to be guided by what nature has already started—merely putting the finishing touches on an already finished creation.
The Journey to the Studio
Carrying a heavy, dense piece of native hardwood off a remote coastal stretch is a slow, physical process, but every step is part of the work's history. Once back in the studio, the slow work of refinement begins:
Cleansing & Drying: Allowing the timber to settle, removing salt and grit while preserving the raw exterior character.
Reading the Grain: Hand-shaping with chisels and rasps, following the natural lines, knots, and hollows formed by the elements.
Fine Finishing: Hand-sanding through fine grits and sealing with natural oils to bring out the deep, rich tones buried beneath the weathered surface.
Still Standing
The resulting piece, Still Standing, carries the story of its origin in every curve and grain line. The tactile warmth of the timber and the strength of its form reflect the rugged coastline it came from.
When a collector brings a piece like this into their home, they aren't just acquiring a wooden form—they are bringing a piece of the South Coast’s living history inside.
Explore the Work: You can view Still Standing and see its full dimensions and details in the Gallery