Essence 15 (2025) is a one-of-a-kind sculptural work by New Zealand artist John Allen — and one of the most remarkable pieces in the Essence series. Crafted from driftwood collected along the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, this sculpture carries within it an extraordinary record of time.
Look closely at the surface and you will see the tree’s growth rings — tightly packed, almost impossibly fine, and running in rich, warm bands across the grain. Each ring represents a year of slow, patient growth. The density of these rings tells the story of a tree that grew in a harsh coastal environment, adding only a sliver of wood each year over what was likely a very long life. This is ancient wood, shaped first by centuries of growth, then by the sea, and finally by the hand of the artist.
Weathered by salt and tide, the driftwood’s softened contours and natural patina give the sculpture a calm, grounded presence. Finished with natural oil and wax, the surface draws out the remarkable colour, depth, and tonal variation of the grain while preserving its organic character.
Essence 15 offers a lasting alternative to the fleeting — an original artwork that carries genuine geological and natural history within it, symbolising endurance, patience, and the quiet passage of time. Entirely unique, this handcrafted sculpture is a profound and considered gift for someone truly special.
Specifications:
Title: Essence 15 (2025)
Artist: John Allen
Materials: Driftwood (West Coast, South Island, New Zealand)
