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.