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Kelp Art

About This Category

Bull kelp is a sustainable resource plant harvested off the beach after it has been swept ashore by ocean storms. 

It grows in great kelp forests or beds far out from shore in the subtidal zone. Each individual Bull whip kelp is anchored to rocks on the ocean floor with a cable-like formation known as a holdfast.  A round buoyant bulb at the top of the plant is filled with CO2, bringing the long flat fronds growing out of the float closer to the sunlight.  Bull kelp can grow a metre a day, making it one of the fastest growing plants and productive ecosystems on the planet. At its longest ,18-50 metres, it can be dislodged by storms and brought ashore by waves. Sometimes living up to 25 years, a bull kelp whip can be aged by counting its growth rings.

To achieve proper curing, bull kelp needs the salt, sun and wind of many days lying on a beach. It is gathered dry from March to October, then reconstituted to be handcrafted into a myriad of shapes and designs. Sanded, oiled, waxed and varnished for a smooth almost wood-like finish or left to dry in the sun, the finished products vary dramatically. 

Kelp is durable, non-flammable and will last many years with proper care.

NewTrying To Social Distancing Basket

Trying To Social Distancing Basket

Artist: Patty Dowler
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NewSold OutPacific Ocean Kelp Basket

Pacific Ocean Kelp Basket

Artist: Patty Dowler
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We're All In This Together

We're All In This Together

List price: $750.00
Artist: Cathy Stewart
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The Best Snack on the Beach

The Best Snack on the Beach

List price: $425.00
Artist: Cathy Stewart
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Strutting My Stuff

Strutting My Stuff

List price: $425.00
Artist: Cathy Stewart
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Jack and Jill

Jack and Jill

List price: $425.00
Artist: Cathy Stewart
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Sold OutI'm Done

I'm Done

Artist: Cathy Stewart
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Sold OutI See You

I See You

Artist: Cathy Stewart
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Sold OutThe Feast

The Feast

Artist: Cathy Stewart
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Sold OutLadies First

Ladies First

Artist: Cathy Stewart
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Sold OutSunlight Kelp

Sunlight Kelp

Artist: Sue Pyper
Available: Ucluelet

Sold OutSea Brothers

Sea Brothers

Artist: Doug Blackwell
Available: Ucluelet

Sold OutKelp and Jellyfish

Kelp and Jellyfish

Artist: Celia Leaman
Available: Ucluelet

Kelp Mandala

Kelp Mandala

List price: $190.00
Artist: Celia Leaman
Available: Ucluelet

Kelp Twirl

Kelp Twirl

List price: $50.00
Artist: Aldea Wood
Available: Ucluelet

Bull Kelp

Bull Kelp

List price: $200.00
Artist: Allison Tremain
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