Where there’s muck, there’s art

by Andy Sinclair on 3 Nov 2010 When Rikkie Carette was made redundant from Princess Yachts last year, when the UK job market was looking distinctly gloomy, he didn’t panic or wallow in self-pity but took the plunge into setting up his own business. Rikkie embraced the entrepreneurial spirit long before the coalition Government suggested it as a way to drag the UK out of recession.

Rikkie had noticed that there was no company or service dedicated to clearing flotsam and jetsam from marinas, docks, harbours and the shores of Plymouth Sound.

So he set up Clean Coast Services to offer just such a service, and with contracts already from Princess Yachts and Mayflower Marina, he’s doing very well indeed.

As part of the cleaning process, Rikkie and his team were removing driftwood from the water. He often took 'interesting' pieces home with the intention of doing something with them, but never got round to it.

In May of this year, the bar and restaurant at Mayflower Marina re-opened after extensive refurbishment as Jolly Jacks. Rikkie made a sculpture out of some of the driftwood for the new owners Sally and Sue. The sculpture quickly created a lot of interest and soon it was on display with other pieces that Rikkie had made.

Now the unique driftwood sculptures, featuring pieces of wood weathered and shaped by the sea, are selling as quickly as Rikkie can make them. The sculptures are also sold in Falmouth, and are on display at Kernow Mill.

He says: 'A pile of wood and good intentions has turned into a full time job. I’m flat out making the sculptures now! Having been made redundant a year ago I’m glad to prove that clouds do have silver linings after all.'

Charles Bush, Managing Director for Mayflower Marina, said: 'Rikkie’s company, Clean Coast Services, have filled a gap in the market and we’re delighted with his work at our marina. The driftwood sculptures are an unexpected bonus and people are fascinated with them. Rikkie clearly has artistic talent and after his initiative and hard work he deserves all the success that’s come his way.'

You can find out about Clean Coast Services, and see Rikkie’s driftwood sculptures, at www.cleancoastservices.com