Riding the Waves

Abstract sculpture carved from black oak burl. The downed tree was 350 years old from Haddonfield,NJ. 34″H x 14″W x 7″D Sand-textured and dyed black with an oil finish.

This sculpture is a tall, vertical abstract form carved from Ambrosia Maple, emphasizing movement, balance, and organic flow.

The piece is composed of a stacked sequence of smooth, twisting volumes that spiral upward. Each segment curves and opens into hollowed spaces, creating a rhythm of positive and negative forms. The contours feel fluid—almost like a slow dance or a rising current—giving the sculpture a sense of motion despite its solid mass.

The natural wood grain plays a major role in the visual impact. Variations in color—from warm honey tones to deeper browns—follow the curves of the carving, accentuating its undulating surfaces. The polished finish allows light to glide across the form, highlighting edges and soft transitions while revealing the wood’s natural character.

Overall, the sculpture feels organic and contemplative, reminiscent of natural growth patterns such as twisting vines, flowing water, or a stylized human presence without being literal. It balances strength and elegance, inviting the viewer to move around it and experience how the form changes from every angle.

Sculpture turned & carved from beautiful ambrosia red maple. Sanded surface with an oil finish. 29” Tall x 9” diameter, 7 Lbs.