Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto a shore by water. After trees fall into rivers, lakes, or oceans, the water carries them along, tumbling and smoothing them as they float. Eventually, pieces of this wood wash up on beaches or riverbanks, where the sun bleaches them pale gray or white.

The constant motion of water gives driftwood its characteristic look: smooth, worn surfaces with interesting, twisted shapes. Bark gets stripped away, rough edges become rounded, and the wood takes on a sculptural quality that makes each piece unique. You might find a piece of driftwood that looks like a dragon, a gnarled hand, or an abstract sculpture.

People collect driftwood for art projects, decorations, or simply because they find beautiful pieces while walking along the shore. Some artists create entire sculptures or furniture from driftwood. Beach communities often have driftwood scattered along the high-tide line, marking where the waves reached during storms.

What was once part of a living tree becomes something entirely new through its journey in the water.