Exmouth: Local artist unveils latest driftwood creation

Local artist Brendan Rawlings has unveiled his latest creation on a beach in Cornwall: a driftwood sculpture of a panther-like big cat.

Brendan said it took him a total of 72 hours spread across just four days.

The 40-year-old from Exeter, Devon, is not only the creator and face behind Zen Wood Design - but is well-known for creating commotion on Exmouth beach with his sculptures.

From a towering Neptune and Poseidon wooden sculpture, to an imposing 6ft crouching male angel with wings, Brendan has had his fair share of fun generating double-takes.

The full-sized panther named Resilience is Brendan's most recent creation - and has been crafted out of local driftwood.

It has been crafted out of driftwood

He said: "It took an age to burn the black on but I'm thrilled with the look.

"There have been multiple sightings over the UK since the Dangerous Wild Animals Act was introduced in 1976.

"My dad spotted a large black cat on Woodbury common back in the '80s when out for a run, so when I'm out running or walking somewhere remote, it's always on my mind.

"If they are roaming about the UK, then 'resilience' is a perfect word to describe them, having adapted to a foreign climate and continued to survive.

"Perhaps we could take a leaf out of their book in the coming years with our economic climate worsening?"

In 2019, Brendan made his brother-in-law a shark made from driftwood - and soon found himself with 20 commissions for further designs.

Within just three weeks, the talented sculptor had received enough interest to keep him busy full-time, and he has been running Zen Wood Design from his workshop in Topsham ever since.

His next project is a large galloping horse, which the creator says he is "excited" about starting.

Click here to see more of Brendan's design's.