Natureworks would love to take credit for the design of the unusual organic sculpture shown on this page, which we have recently added to our collection of sculptures for sale. However, the original sculptor was Mother Nature! More specifically, the real artists of the piece were small marine creatures – shipworms.
Here’s a photo of the artists…
The sculpture these industrious little artists inspired depicts a 2.4m tall wharf pylon, as shown below. Although the shipworms had already done most of the work, our role as artists was to recognise the beauty in nature’s artwork and copy it lovingly for others to enjoy.
The result is a visually interesting modern organic sculpture that celebrates the artistry of natural textures and patterns. Whether for home decor, nautical theming or educational display, this remarkable piece tells the story of nature’s impact and provokes thought about how time shapes us all.
"Shipworms are nature's accidental sculptors, transforming timber pylons, wharfs, and shipwrecks into intricate, organic art pieces over time."
Presenting the wharf pylon organic sculpture
Watch the video to see Natureworks’ Director David Joffe introduce the shipworm-inspired organic sculpture…
Telling nature's story
As David says, the abstract sculpture may look like a termite mound (also an example of nature’s handiwork) but it is a replica timber wharf pylon. The idea to sculpt this seemingly ordinary object came about after David found a weathered post ravaged by shipworms. He was struck by its natural beauty, and brought it home.
Rather than seeing flaws, David saw art in the random holes, soft curves and organic shapes. He decided to create a replica that would reveal the story of transformation hidden within the pylon’s myriad grooves and crevices.
Making the replica pylon
To manufacture a replica, the Natureworks team made a mould of the original weathered. pylon. The challenge was to ensure that the moulding rubber didn’t go too deep into the holes and crevices. Otherwise it would not have been able to reproduce it accurately and the original piece could have been spoilt.
The solution was to make the silicon rubber so thick that it was pasted on, which meant that the silicon didn’t penetrate too deeply. By using a pre-pigmented resin, the team were able to cast the sculpture to get a perfect reproduction and realistic finish.
Natureworks is planning to make a taller version that includes a section of timber pole at the base to become a more dramatic 4.5m high piece. This can show the contrast between the original and shipworm-affected timber.
Photo gallery of the wharf pylon organic sculpture
"This organic sculpture looks fantastic inside in a tall corner space. Of everything we've ever done at Natureworks, it's one of my favourite pieces."
Shipworms – nature's timber-hungry artists
Despite their name, shipworms are not worms – they are bivalve molluscs closely related to clams. Often nicknamed “termites of the sea”, these saltwater creatures have an appetite for any timber exposed to a marine environment. Over the last 2,000 years the damage caused by shipworms has caused much havoc – sinking wooden vessels, ravaging wharves and destroying timber flood barriers.
Researchers recently discovered the shipworm’s gut has microbes that secrete enzymes to break open the wood at the molecular level and allow digestion. This means they are able to digest lignin, the toughest part of wood (read shipworm research). They also play a key role in marine ecosystems.
"Not only have shipworms changed history, they are also ecosystem engineers and play a fundamental role in cycling carbon in aquatic environments."
Creating art inspired by nature
This tale of natural inspiration and story-telling through nature is not unusual for Natureworks. Natural objects or weathered man-made artefacts often inspire our artists. When making replicas, we aim to capture the feeling and story of the subject as well as its physical features. That’s what we call “adding a touch of natural magic”!
To find out more about the shipworm art organic sculpture, go to the Timber Wharf Pylon product information – just send us an enquiry to get a quote. Or simply give us a call and we’d be happy to clarify your queries or discuss custom projects (see contact info).
