Wood Spirit is an exhibition by South Coast forest conservationist and sculptor Nick Hopkins, exploring the beauty, versatility and creative potential of sustainably sourced timber.
A lifelong environmental activist, Hopkins advocates for an end to public native forest logging in New South Wales and a transition to a plantation-based timber industry. His work highlights the opportunities offered by plantation-grown Queensland Hoop Pine plywood and salvaged trees, demonstrating how timber can be used creatively without compromising the natural environment.
The natural beauty of Hoop Pine is enhanced by distinctive black glue lines, which define the wood-turned, carved, routed and sanded forms.
Through his sculptures, Hopkins aims to raise awareness of plywood as an artistic medium and inspire other woodworkers to explore its creative possibilities.