From the Ashes
Artwork by
Shawndavid Berry Woodworks
Discover the latest additions to "From the Ashes," an inspiring outdoor art exhibition by acclaimed wood sculptor Shawndavid Berry, now featuring new works on display throughout Kinney Azalea Gardens.
Crafted from salvaged ash trees lost to the emerald ash borer and other sustainably sourced wood, Berry's sculptures celebrate themes of resilience, renewal, and the enduring beauty of nature. As you stroll through the gardens, you'll encounter these remarkable works thoughtfully placed among the landscape, creating a unique dialogue between art and the natural world.
Many of the featured pieces are available for purchase through the Kinney Azalea Gardens Gift Shop, allowing visitors to bring home an original work of art while supporting both the artist and the gardens.
Explore this one-of-a-kind exhibition where nature, conservation, and creativity come together.
Explore the Collection
About the Artist
Shawndavid Berry
Shawndavid Berry is a Newport-based sculptor and oil painter whose work straddles the mysterious and the surreal. A native of Jamestown, Rhode Island, Berry draws deeply from the natural world for both in form and inspiration—creating intricate wood sculptures and large colorful canvases that invite multiple interpretations.
Each piece is designed to be seen from various angles, revealing new imagery as the viewer shifts perspective. In his sculptural work, Berry works in harmony with the tree's natural growth lines, transforming them into flowing forms that often evoke animals, plants, or organic motion.
A member of several Rhode Island art associations, including those of Jamestown, Portsmouth, and South County, Shawndavid’s work can be found in exhibitions all around the state. Some of his most recent works include numerous sculptures and a 40-by-20-ft oil painting that served as the backdrop for the Newport Contemporary Ballet. Shawndavid was also awarded ‘best sculpture’ in the South County Arts Association’s latest members exhibit.
An engaged member of the RI art community, Shawndavid has instructed a Tiverton-based painting group for 3 years and has also served as coordinator for the deBlois Gallery in Middletown, RI from 2020-2023. Whether it be from the walls of local galleries to Kinney’s own garden, Shawndavid Berry continues to shape wood and canvas into visions that are as enigmatic as they are unforgettable.
Key aspects of his work include:
Sculptural Focus: Shawndavid Berry specializes in creating intricate, one-of-a-kind sculptures from wood, often utilizing large pieces such as tree trunks.
Artistic Style: His style is described as mysterious and fluid, often capturing multiple images or perspectives within a single piece. For example, a sculpture might appear as a snake from one angle and a flower from another.
Connection to Nature: He draws inspiration from the wood's growth rings and natural lines, creating a strong connection between his art and the natural world.
Community Involvement: He has showcased his work in local galleries and libraries and partnered with organizations such as the Friends of the Kinney Faella Gardens on events and artist-in-residence programs.
Sustainable Practices: Some of his projects involve creating new pieces from diseased or dying trees, giving them a new life as art.