ARTIST PROFILE

WOOD N THINGS

Art by Peter Everest

My art is made from driftwood sourced from Bay of Plenty beaches – predominantly Ōhope, Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki – combined with other upcycled timbers used for the bases.

I started creating driftwood art as a retirement hobby after spending my working life in the building industry. I wanted my pieces to be functional as well as beautiful, incorporating lights and glass beads to highlight the natural grain, cavities and unique forms shaped by the sea.

Handcrafted driftwood art by Wood N Things

Unique art and gifts handcrafted from driftwood.

Handcrafted driftwood paua jewellery art by Wood N Things

My Process

Once collected, the driftwood is thoroughly cleaned, treated and left to dry naturally for 12 months. Each piece is unique, and while I begin with an idea, the finished result often remains unknown until many hours of rasping and sanding reveal its natural form.

Some pieces feature copper-wire bead lights threaded through natural cavities, while others incorporate glass beads or lights to illuminate the grain and character of the timber. Once complete, each piece receives four to five coats of Danish oil to enhance and protect the wood.

I like to think that a discarded piece of driftwood, after travelling who knows how many miles at sea and being shaped by nature, has been enriched by my hand.