Strange Cargo II by Dave Morris, Stone, Unique, 100cm high by 180cm wide by 80cm deep sculpture

Strange Cargo II by Dave Morris is a striking stone sculpture that transforms an everyday subject into a dramatic visual story. Measuring 100cm high, 180cm wide, and 80cm deep, this unique piece depicts a large, open container overflowing with a bounty of vegetables, mainly plump, rounded gourds.

At first glance, the sculpture feels rustic yet sophisticated. The stone surface has a natural texture that enhances the earthy subject matter. Each gourd is carefully carved with subtle variations in shape and size. Each one capturing the organic forms you’d find in a real harvest. Some spill gently over the edge of the container, suggesting abundance and movement. While others sit nestled deeper inside, almost hidden, waiting to be discovered.

From one angle, the piece appears like an ancient cargo left behind, weathered but still carrying life. From another, it feels playful and decorative, celebrating the simple beauty of vegetables that often go unnoticed. The open container acts as both vessel and stage, drawing the viewer’s eye to the detailed carving and encouraging closer inspection of each smooth curve and crevice.

The name, Strange Cargo II, hints at a story beyond the surface, perhaps a nod to trade routes, forgotten harvests, or the quiet endurance of nature’s gifts. The stone’s weight and the container’s openness balance each other, making the piece feel solid yet inviting.

Overall, Morris invites us to pause, look closer, and find wonder in the humble forms of everyday produce.