Peter Everest

My art is all made from driftwood sourced from Bay of Plenty beaches – predominantly Ohope, Whakatane and Opotiki and incorporates other upcycled timbers which I use to make the bases. 

Having collected the driftwood, it is thoroughly pressure washed then soaked in a solution to remove bacteria and fungi before being washed again and then left under cover to dry naturally for 12 months. 

I wanted my art to be functional and so decided to weave copper wire bead lights through the natural cavities formed by its time at sea so that it takes on a completely different appearance and allows the true form of the timber to be appreciated.  I like to think that a discarded piece of driftwood that has been travelling who knows how many miles at sea, where it has been shaped by nature has been enriched by my hand.

Each piece is unique and although I have an idea of how I would like it to look, the finished item is always an unknown until many hours of rasping and sanding have been completed to remove the soft fibres. Once sanding has been completed, I use 4 – 5 coats of Danish oil to feed and enhance the grain of the wood. 

I started creating my driftwood artwork as a hobby for my retirement having been involved with the building industry throughout my working life it is nice to find a hobby where I can continue to be creative.