We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas Barber III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas, can you talk us a bit about why you love what you do?
loving what you do is something I think we all want. As an artist it is necessary to be free and share creativity and self expression. I certainly love what I do. Taking a raw element and transforming it into a fascinating art piece is my real passion.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a driftwood artist. I create sculpted fine art out of found driftwood, fish bones, shells, rocks and rusted metals. The details and story given to each piece sets me apart from most artist. I am proud to be a green artist. Everything is found on beaches or mangroves and repurposed into works of art. Doing art shows and seeing the reactions of people let’s me realize I’m not just doing this for self fulfillment but sharing good feeling as well. For me I’ve always been artistic, but the first driftwood sculpture I made I felt I was on to my destiny. So the collection began. In the beginning doing small shows in the keys gave me the realization that if success was made it was going to take hard work. Determination to do something you believe in overcomes any obstacle. Learning from other artist along the way has Driftwood Art Creations now doing national fine art shows and work displayed at galleries.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would have to show the beauty of it’s nature first. Being an avid fisherman gives opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. So taking a friend fishing can give pleasure in so many different ways. First the respect and beauty that nature unfolds gives deep feelings of peace. Then onto a sports event. The energy felt by cheering fans is exhilarating. Being season ticket holder for Miami Hurricane football throughout the years has allowed family, old friends and new friends to get together for laughter and joy on many occasions. Being South Floridians with so much culture it allows every individual a variety of options at every scale. Places like Vizcaya and Cape Lighthouse learning history and pristine beauty at the same time would be on the visit. Basically getting outdoors and enjoy our beautiful community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Heidi and her love for nature and exploration has giving me inspiration and joy doing what I do. We find all of our materials together. It creates memories that last forever.

Facebook: Driftwood Art Creations