Victorians taking a stroll down to Esquimalt Lagoon this week have been treated to more than beautiful scenery and the sound of crashing waves.
Alongside the Lagoon’s usual serene scenery – the rolling beach line, surrounding forest, and ocean views – were some unusual animals.
Specifically, brilliantly sculptured driftwood birds made by Langford resident, Paul Lewis.
It all started with the bald eagle sculpture, his favourite bird, which became the first of his creations.
Bored on a Friday morning, Lewis was at the Lagoon when he saw a bald eagle being harassed by some seagulls.
Equipped with some screws, a screw gun, and a morning cup of coffee, Lewis got a spark of inspiration. “I started combing the beach for wood and shells to create my vision,” he said.
We’re all glad he did. The driftwood-seashell medium of art is completely new to him; he primarily paints west coast inspired wildlife with acrylic on illustration board, but found the new and spontaneous medium enjoyable.
“I really enjoyed being out in nature and getting creative with the natural and abundant pieces of wood at my fingertips and just letting my creative juices flow,” he said.
Some of the pieces have taken nearly 6 hours to complete, making their inclusion to Esquimalt Lagoon’s landscape a generous one.
Check them out below!
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