Soapie, Banksia Tree by Mike Rumble

Jack captures the quiet watchfulness of a coastal bird perched in its natural habitat. Carved from salvaged timber with thoughtful attention to texture and form, this expressive bird rests atop driftwood branches, affixed to a panel of weathered, reclaimed wood slats. Each element — from the grain of the timber to the irregularity of the branch — contributes to a harmonious, earthy composition rich with rustic character.
 
Artist Bio:
 
Mike is a sculptor with a deep connection to nature and an eye for hidden forms in forgotten wood. Based in the Port Stephens region, his artistic practice is shaped by years of craftsmanship as a carpenter and a lifelong respect for the natural world. Rather than creating from new materials, Michael’s work begins with what others might overlook—driftwood, dropwood, or storm-fallen timber, often weathered and worn by water, time, and tide.
Each piece starts with a discovery—wood that washes up along the water’s edge or lies discarded near the boat ramp. What may appear to be firewood to most, Michael sees as a canvas with stories to tell. Through careful carving, he draws out the shapes of sea creatures and animals lurking in the twisted grain—often inspired by his own underwater explorations while free diving or time spent cycling off the beaten path.
Using a combination of modern tools and traditional hand techniques like chisels, splitting wedges, and the adze, Michael’s sculptures are expressive, tactile, and often abstract. He celebrates the texture and “scars” of the timber, allowing the natural imperfections to shape the final form.
A passionate recycler long before it became trendy, Michael’s values echo in every piece. His background working with alternative materials and historical buildings adds a thoughtful layer of craftsmanship to his sculptural work—bringing new life to old wood, one creature at a time.