Fire island wood
By joseph conforti
I have always been a huge admirer of the New York-based abstract expressionist artist Louise Nevelson. Using “found” objects that she collected at night on the streets of SOHO, NYC during the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, Nevelson was the self-proclaimed “original recycler.”
My current collection of wood and precious stone sculptures, inspired by Nevelson, also features found objects. However, unlike Nevelson, I did not find my materials on the street. These new sculptures are made of driftwood I found on Fire Island. I have always been captivated by the beauty and form of discarded materials and urban detritus. Forgotten things found by chance that together make up the whole.
Perhaps a metaphor for the city and beach I love. Maybe even for my life. Combining my collection of found driftwood and semi-precious stones creates shapes, compositions, and shadows that remind me of the two uniquely different urban and seashore environments I call home.
Joe is a Hell’s Kitchen-based painter and sculptor. Joe’s work has appeared in multiple individual and group shows around the country. His unique, abstract, sculptural pieces hang in private homes, institutions, and public spaces worldwide.
Listed in order of which is shown in the gallery starting with the Piece in center of shop
Drift Wood/Red Coral
Fire Island Pines
Red coral symbolizes life force, vitality, strength, and courage, embodying qualities associated with its vibrant red color and organic origins. It is a powerful protective talisman in various traditions, particularly in Native American culture, where it represents lifeblood and connects the wearer to the earth and sea. Red coral is believed to inspire ambition, focus, and a deep sense of self, supporting emotional healing and offering protection against negative energies.
6’ H x 16” W
Wood and Red Coral
2025
Driftwood/Black Obsidian
Fire Island Pines
Black Obsidian is a protective stone formed from rapid-cooling volcanic lava, used to absorb and transform negative energy and provide grounding. It's associated with the root chakra, promoting emotional healing, grounding, and spiritual growth by helping one release past hurts, stress, and negative patterns to embrace their true self. It also aids in self-reflection and can be used for scrying or meditation due to its ability to reveal hidden truths.
34” W x 12” H x 6” D
Wood and Black Obsidian
2025
Driftwood/Tiger Eye
Fire Island Pines
Tiger eye stone's meaning lies in protection, clarity, power, courage, practicality, and grounding powers. Having elements of fire and Earth tiger eye means taking charge of life's direction with courage. It also signifies unity, strength, critical thinking, and welcoming good decisions in life. Tiger eye aids in building courage and self-confidence.
6” W x 28” H x 4” D
Wood and Tiger Eye
2025
Driftwood/Lapis Lazuli
Fire Island Pines
Lapis lazuli represents truth, wisdom, communication, and insight, and is believed to stimulate the Throat and Third Eye Chakras to foster honesty and self-awareness. Its deep blue color with golden pyrite flecks, which resemble the night sky, symbolizes the cosmic connection and helps enhance intellectual ability, spiritual growth, intuition, and inner peace. Ancient civilizations revered it as a symbol of royalty, honor, and a powerful protector against evil.
4” W x 19” H x 4” D
Wood and Lapis Lazuli
2025
Mesquite Wood/Tiger Eye
Sonoran Desert, Tucson, Arizona
Tiger eye stone's meaning lies in protection, clarity, power, courage, practicality, and ground powers. Having elements of fire and Earth tiger eye means taking charge of life's direction with courage. It also signifies unity, strength, critical thinking, and welcoming good decisions in life. Tiger eye aids in building courage and self-confidence
22” W x 18” H x 12” D
Wood and Tiger Eye
2025
Driftwood/Amazonite
Fire Island Pines
Amazonite, also known as the "Stone of Truth" and "Stone of Courage," is a green variety of the mineral microcline, a type of feldspar. In metaphysical practices, it's believed to promote balance, calm the mind, enhance intuition, strengthen communication, and provide protection. Historically, it has been used in jewelry and artworks in ancient cultures like Egypt and has been associated with truth, hope, and courage.
25” W x 9” H x 6” D
Wood and Amazonite
2025
Driftwood/Yellow Citrine
Fire Island Pines
Yellow citrine, often called the "merchant's stone," is a gemstone known for its association with prosperity, abundance, and joy. It is believed to attract wealth, enhance creativity, and promote emotional well-being. Citrine is also associated with the solar plexus chakra, boosting confidence and personal power.
35” W x 18” H x 8” D
Wood and Yellow Citrine
2025
Driftwood/Amazonite
Fire Island Pines
Amazonite, also known as the "Stone of Truth" and "Stone of Courage," is a green variety of the mineral microcline, a type of feldspar. In metaphysical practices, it's believed to promote balance, calm the mind, enhance intuition, strengthen communication, and provide protection. Historically, it has been used in jewelry and artworks in ancient cultures like Egypt and has been associated with truth, hope, and courage.
18” W x 26” H x 8” D
Wood and Amazonite
2025
Driftwood/Mixed Stones Fire Island Pines
Various smoothed stones with a plethora of healing powers
23” W x 20” H x 6”D
Wood and Semi-precious stones
2025
Cholla Wood/Tiger Eye & Orange Citrine
Sonora Desert
Red Citrine's meaning combines traditional citrine symbolism—wealth, joy, and success—with its unique color, said to amplify vitality, warmth, and creativity, while also fostering confidence and clearing negative emotions. It is a powerful manifestation stone linked to the solar plexus chakra, attracting abundance, boosting energy, and enhancing clarity for personal and financial goals. Red citrine is a beautiful and rare form of quartz, often associated with themes of prosperity and success, especially for entrepreneurs and businesses.
13’ H x 16” W
Wood and Tiger Eye & Orange Citrine
2025
Cholla Wood/Turquoise
Sonoran Desert, Tucson, Arizona
Turquoise signifies protection, acting as a shield against negative energy and a link between the earthly and spiritual realms. It promotes truthful communication by balancing the throat chakra and encourages wisdom, peace, and self-expression. Historically, it symbolizes good fortune, strength, and renewed life across many cultures, acting as a spiritual tool for well-being and connection to higher powers, and promotes purity and happiness.
10” W x 6” H
Wood and Turquoise
2025
Drift Wood/Red Coral
Fire Island Pines
Red coral symbolizes life force, vitality, strength, and courage, embodying qualities associated with its vibrant red color and organic origins. It is a powerful protective talisman in various traditions, particularly in Native American culture, where it represents lifeblood and connects the wearer to the earth and sea. Red coral is believed to inspire ambition, focus, and a deep sense of self, supporting emotional healing and offering protection against negative energies.
22” W x 6” H x 4” D
Wood and Red Coral
2025
Drift Wood/Red Coral
Fire Island Pines
Red coral symbolizes life force, vitality, strength, and courage, embodying qualities associated with its vibrant red color and organic origins. It is a powerful protective talisman in various traditions, particularly in Native American culture, where it represents lifeblood and connects the wearer to the earth and sea. Red coral is believed to inspire ambition, focus, and a deep sense of self, supporting emotional healing and offering protection against negative energies.
4” W x 16” H x 4” D
Wood and Red Coral
2025