Kelly Stewart is the artist and creator behind Wild Tide Designs, a small coastal art business based on the Central Coast of NSW. Her work is inspired by the ocean, coastal living and the natural beauty around her.

Kelly creates individually handcrafted pieces using resin, driftwood, shells, paint and recycled or upcycled materials, including old surfboards that might otherwise be discarded. The shape, texture and imperfections of reclaimed materials help guide each design, giving every artwork its own character.

What began as a creative outlet has grown into a practice that brings together art, the ocean and sustainability. Drawn to the sea’s textures, movement and colours, Kelly enjoys experimenting with materials and giving forgotten or unloved objects a new life.

Her process begins with sourcing and preparing surfboards and driftwood, followed by designing, painting, pouring resin and carefully placing individual elements. Many hours of making lie behind the finished work, with each detail considered and created by hand.

Through Wild Tide Designs, Kelly hopes to bring a little piece of the coast into people’s homes — something meaningful, individual and connected to the sea.