Cowichan stonemason switches to wood for display
When you visit the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre this month you'll find a display by Cowichan stonemason Shane Watt.
But you won’t find stone.
Over the past few years, Watt has recently turned to wood where he uses his detailed tight-jointed stone work style to create the driftwood mosaics he calls Driftwork.
He’ll have nine framed pieces in the display that opens April 7 and runs all month.
The driftwood mosaics range in size from one square foot to his largest — a four-foot by three-foot creation.
“I’ve collected driftwood from several beaches over a period of years,” he says.
He’s never timed how long it takes to complete each piece, he says. “I think I’d be sad if I knew that,” he jokes. “It’s hours and hours.”
Watt says his inspiration came originally from the lineal design that’s his forte in the stonework he creates for his business Vancouver Island Masonry.
Watt says his inspiration came originally from the lineal design that's his forte in the stonework he creates for his business Vancouver Island Masonry.
His company’s specialty is building and designing custom stone wine cellars and stone feature walls.
“At first, I’d use a piece of driftwood as the key that would determine the pattern, but now I’ve branched out to more wavy and creative designs,” he explains. Everything is natural, except for the glue, he adds.
A previous display was a shared event in the Cowichan Theatre lobby.
There’ll be month long displays through the summer at the Cowichan Bay centre, says executive director Suzan Lagrove.
Your ticket
What: Shane Watt Art Work Display
Where: Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre, Cowichan Bay
When: Opening reception 1 pm April 7. Display open until April 29 Wed. to Sun., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets: free, donation box.
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