Michel Bouchard is captivated by the beauty of driftwood. He appreciates its uniqueness. He’s drawn to its transformation. He’s fascinated with its weathered texture. He imagines all the places it’s been. But most of all, driftwood speaks to Michel’s artist within.
On his visit to lakes, oceans, rivers, and streams Nature offers him gifts of driftwood at every turn.
He says, “Driftwood fragments have been floating forever. Imagine! And those pieces show up at my feet. Lucky me.”
As soon as his hand pulls the wood from land’s grip, he knows exactly what its conversion shall be.
He says, “I brush and hose it off and clean as much as I can. Sometimes I bleach it to rid it of bugs. When I get back to North Carolina, I have a car full of driftwood. I clean it further with a pressure washer. Then I find a complementary base. A base could be a slab of wood or a stone. I turn wood that’s been waiting for years into something beautiful and functional.”
Sometimes Michel sees the makings of an animal in the wood. He adds limbs (literally and figuratively) or wings or other features.
Often the piece needs stabilizing so he cuts the bottom at a proper slant. For Michel, the transformation is the most fun. Or maybe it’s the treasure hunt on the beach. Truly, every phase thrills him.
Michel Bouchard
He especially enjoys engaging others in creating their own sculptures. Customers pay for the driftwood and then he helps them complete it. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning others onto driftwood delights. It’s a welcome infection.
Even though Michel has been at this only three years, he’s amassed a stockpile of driftwood. Right now his workshop contains 150 pieces, cleaned and finished to place on a table, wall, door, or niche.
Building (construction), landscaping, and a love of Nature opened the door to Michel’s driftwood-work. Mother Nature provides all his materials – for free.
His first piece was a 5-inch round tree branch that had been floating/weathering for decades. Thereafter, every day was a new treasure hunt. Wind and rain and waves delivered.
“I love what I do and I love sharing it, “ says Michel. “Make an appointment to come and see my work.”
Look for Michel’s driftwood sculptures in local galleries. Call (828) 743-2977 or (828) 226-4200 for more information. You can reach him at michelb4756@yahoo.com. On Instagram at michel’swoodworkart.
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