If you’ve ever driven down N. Queen Street in Chestertown, you may have noticed some interesting driftwood sculptures
in front of a house on the left-hand side and wondered about the person who made them. Perhaps you wondered also, if you could have one made as well. Wonder no more-and visit Timothy Carroll’s booth, Accidental Art, at the Chestertown Farmer’s Market.
Carroll moved to Chestertown about a year ago when BRAC moved the functions of his job at Fort Monmouth to Aberdeen Proving Grounds. He says he found Chestertown by accident while looking for a place to live, and fell in love with its charm and easy lifestyle. Carroll’s wife bought him a book on making driftwood furniture; he discovered the material in abundance on Betterton, Tolchester, Still Pond, and other local beaches. Inspired by the unique shapes of the wood, Carroll decided their forms should determine the sculptures.
His Celtic ancestry has influenced Carroll’s love of woodworking. The Celtic Druids had a strong reverence for nature, particularly trees: each type of tree was believed to have different magical and protective properties. It is easy to picture each piece of driftwood as having a spirit, and Carroll’s job is to enhance and expose it to the rest of us.
Carroll’s first creation, Celtic Altar, stands in front of his house. After many people stopped and commented on its beauty, he began creating and displaying more pieces. After seeing a dozen people taking pictures of his work during an Historical House tour, Carroll decided he had an idea worth expanding.
Though each piece is one of a kind, Carroll works in two styles. The first he calls “abstract drift,” garden and home décor pieces such as wedding centerpieces, lamps, necklace trees, and frames. The second is “driftwood fusion,” or furniture with a driftwood base, repurposed railroad spikes and other elements. Can’t picture it? ‘Transitions’, a table with an Australian Blackwood top, can be seen on his website.Though this one is not for sale, he can make a similar piece if you’re interested.
Carroll welcomes collaboration and custom orders; if you find an interesting piece of driftwood or other unique elements, bring them. If you have antique furniture that needs repair or repurposing, you can bring that too, and he’ll be happy to work on it as well.
For more information, visit Accidental Art at the Chestertown Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, check out the website at https://www.accidentalartgallery.com/default.html , call 443-282-0265, or visit him at 133 N. Queen St. Chestertown on Mondays and weekends. Shop local!
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