Richard Harris

One day I looked at the ever-increasing pile of driftwood in my courtyard. Beachcombing is in my blood from a lifetime of following my mom around searching for shells, rocks and wood. Then cleaning (OK, just rearranging, stuff) in the garage I picked up my drill kit and saw a few rods of rebar tucked in the corner. Wouldn’t it be cool if I put the driftwood and posts together into statutes? Maybe attach a shell or two and create planters for coastal succulents. Done.

My first five pieces were donated to an artists’ fundraiser for rebuilding the Gualala community center. They were snatched up in no time and I had my Sally Field’s Oscar acceptance moment, “somebody likes my creations!” Sea Ranch Driftworks was born.

The first assemblages were outdoor “Courtyard Cairns” with rebar posts, steel bases and abalone plant nests. I’ve kept them to show and now offer for sale at the Tour.

Then when the Sea Ranch golf course closed, I was given no longer needed rental sets and lost/found golf clubs. I have repurposed the strong but lightweight graphite shafts into posts for the outdoor planters and smaller indoor mantel displays.

Every piece is as unique as the driftwood and shells found on the Mendomoma Coast. More appear every day, with pictures posted on my website: searanchdriftworks.com.

My studio is our courtyard and ocean view deck. I’m a retired guy enjoying life collecting and creating. Come by and say Hi. Maybe leave with a small remembrance of a coastal vacation or an artistic succulent planter.