Randy Colbath sees beauty in salvaged wood, and the sculptures he creates from it are amazing. Randy displayed his works earlier this year at the Arts Fair on Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale.

Originally from Maine, he travelled the world by ship as a marine engineer for 30 years, and it was this experience with machinery and metal that invigorates his art. Among his most expressive works are strongly figurative torsos, such as the male figure shown here.

Recent "Core series" works have art historical references. "Core" is a piece that merges the column
and the vase. It references the mannerist painting "Madonna with the long neck" by Parmigianino, which remained unfinished at his death in 1540.

He says the woodgrain and natural abnormalities in the wood provide the impetus for what scultpure will be created from it. The result is sometimes abstract or even surreal, but always a delight to the eye.

Check out his website: randycolbath.com