Sea Turtles by Simon Groves, Wood, Unique, 177cm high by 130cm wide by 129cm deep, Animals and Birds, Figurative, Water Creatures sculpture
Carved by chainsaw from single piece of sustainably sourced wood

Sea Turtles by Simon Groves is a striking chainsaw-carved wooden sculpture that captures the quiet rhythm of marine life. Standing 177 cm high and spreading 130 cm wide, the piece presents three sea turtles swimming through a vertical field of carved seaweed. Together, they form a dynamic underwater scene full of movement and flow.

At the centre, a large wooden structure twists and rises like swaying kelp. From this core, the composition expands outward. One turtle swims lower, close to the base, grounding the work. Meanwhile, two more turtles rise higher, each perched on a peak of the structure. As a result, the viewer’s eye travels naturally upward, following the implied current of the sea. Each turtle gazes in a different direction, which adds variety and a sense of independent motion.

Groves keeps the carving bold and expressive. He smooths the surface enough to remove splinters, yet he allows the chainsaw texture to remain visible. This choice gives the sculpture energy and honesty. Additionally, carved lines and subtle bumps define the turtles’ shells and limbs. These marks add realism without losing the raw character of the wood.

Throughout the piece, the natural wooden tones remain untouched. Consequently, the sculpture feels organic and grounded. Overall, Sea Turtles balances scale, movement, and material with confidence, creating a powerful tribute to ocean life and craftsmanship.