Kenneth Allain of Neguac has discovered his creative passion in turning forgotten pieces of driftwood into art that feels alive.

He first began collecting driftwood around 2007 and started carving a few years later, in 2010. “I start by playing around with the pieces,” Allain explains. “I’ll work on one for a while, set it aside, and move on to the next.”

One of his most remarkable creations is a detailed shark sculpture — his first fully completed piece — which he began in 2020 and finished in 2023 after dedicating about 650 hours to it. “Making the jaw was the hardest part,” he says. “Then I had to figure out what kind of base to use. Since the wood came from the sea, I decided to include rocks and shells from the ocean — it just made sense.”

Allain’s attention to detail is evident in every carving. He often points out how a simple piece of wood can reveal multiple shapes and forms. “Sometimes one piece shows three different animals,” he says.

It can be a slow creative process because the driftwood is brittle when dried. Most of his shaping is done carefully by hand, using sandpaper and small tools. Each piece might take weeks or even months to complete. “I’m supposed to put an eye right in that little spot,” Kenneth says, holding a piece of driftwood, “but I don’t want to thin it too much — it’s very brittle.” Each carving requires patience, precision, and care.

His passion shines through in every sculpture, as the natural grains and textures of the wood seem to breathe life into his creations.