My name is Trevor and I am the curator of concepts, the twister of timber, whittler of whimsy and have the less glamorous job as the cleaner upper of the man glitter (AKA saw dust) before it gets tracked into the house. My artwork draws a direct comparison to what we consider worthless and what is revealed if we find the beauty within. Often using mental health as a reference, my work explores the allure and functionality that each finished piece offers which is a sharp contrast to what was presented in its original, often unseemly, form. My methodology remains true with each piece I create and though there are material variances, each piece is linked by a common thread, symbolism. Each new item I create consists of wood that has been reclaimed from bits of furniture, tree removals or have been collected “free range” and then turned into unique items. I maintain an open mind and draw inspiration from nature, art, architecture and everyday life in hopes of finding a spark that will lead to a new body of work.

Why do I do it? I suffered a work accident and was left with a permanent injury. After learning the severity of my injury and despite my efforts at trying to maintain a hopeful outlook, I had become completely enveloped by the darkness. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and believed that the only way to stop the pain was to take my own life. I don’t share this part of my life easily. I share it because prior to the accident, I had no such thoughts. I share it because no one is immune and there is no shame in seeking help. I was asked what depression was like for me. I compared depression to a piece of driftwood, I felt empty, alone and without purpose. It wasn’t easy, and it took effort, but like one of my Driftwood pens, with all its knots and weathered imperfections, I was able to re-discover the value and beauty that I was able to present to the world.

While I was completing my diploma in Graphic Design. For my Senior Project class I wanted to take on an assignment that I hoped would have a lasting legacy. I decided to partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), make and sell pens and donate the proceeds to a scholarship fund that would help those with mental illness pursue a post secondary education. Each of the pens made for the CMHA initiative were made using driftwood that was locally sourced from beaches in Vancouver BC, Canada and then named after waterways that can be found along the BC coast.

Click here to be directed to my information site.

Driftwood is defined as wood that has been washed onto a shore or beach of a sea, lake, or river by the action of winds, tides or waves.
In some waterfront areas, driftwood is a major nuisance. However, the benefits that driftwood provides as shelter and food for birds, fish and other aquatic species as it floats in the ocean and again once it lands on shore, far outweighs its negative perception. It’s time we started looking at driftwood differently.