Shaped by Nature. Reimagined by Hand.
We create one-of-a-kind sculptural art from naturally weathered timber, preserving the character nature created. In our Natural Form sailboats, authentic decommissioned sailcloth adds another layer of history to the work.Perfectly Imperfect. Naturally One of One.
About
| The Studio |Ozark Timber & Tide is a Midwest, family-run art studio born out of Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, creating one-of-a-kind sculptural work from naturally fallen, weathered and water-worn timber.The idea is simple: Don’t erase what nature has already created. Build with it.Water, weather, sun, insects and time shape the wood long before it reaches the studio. We preserve the scars, hollows, knots, grain and irregular edges that give each piece its character, removing what is unstable and shaping only what the work calls for.Much of the material we use has already lived a life. Timber that might otherwise become firewood, debris or waste is given new purpose. Authentic decommissioned sails that once caught the wind and moved real boats across the water can become part of the work as well.Ozark Timber & Tide is a shared creative endeavor. Kelly Chandler plays an integral role in sourcing materials, offering creative perspective, refining artistic concepts, and building relationships that connect the work with new audiences and opportunities. Her involvement helps shape not only the direction of individual pieces, but the continued evolution of the studio.| The Artist |For Michael Chandler, woodworking, carpentry and creative making have been part of life since childhood, always running alongside a 30-year career in business transformation, M&A and leadership.With more time to return to working with his hands, that lifelong creative outlet became Ozark Timber & Tide.In many ways, the work is still about transformation: seeing possibility in what already exists, preserving what has value and thoughtfully reshaping the rest.| The Work |Sailboat sculptures are where Ozark Timber & Tide began and remain a signature of the studio.The sculptural bases are often as expressive as the vessels themselves, introducing subtle angles, movement, and the impression of boats navigating changing waters. These compositions reflect something familiar in life itself: a journey shaped by both calm passages and turbulent moments, where balance is found not in stillness, but in moving forward.The Natural Form Collection allows the timber's original character to guide the composition. These statement pieces are paired with authentic decommissioned sailcloth, bringing together two materials with history, character, and a life before the art.The Refined Collection takes a more deliberate, artist-shaped approach, with greater carving, hull shaping, sanding, rigging, and hand-finished detail. Sails may include hand-selected fabrics, authentic decommissioned sailcloth, or meaningful customer-provided materials such as wedding fabric, military textiles, memorial flags, or other pieces with personal significance.The Elemental Collection explores the intersection of nature and contrasting materials. Naturally weathered timber is paired with sculpted metals, woven textures, and selected textiles, introducing new dimensions of form, movement, and character. Each mixed-media composition builds upon what nature has already created, bringing together distinct materials in an original, one-of-one work.Beyond sailboats, the studio explores wall art and other sculptural forms inspired by the natural character of the materials themselves.Whenever possible, we preserve the provenance of the timber as well, because where a piece began is part of what it becomes.Shaped by Nature. Reimagined by Hand.Perfectly imperfect. Naturally one of one.
Available Work
Explore sailboats currently available from Ozark Timber & Tide, each handcrafted by Michael Chandler with distinctive wood and carefully chosen sail materials. Each photo includes the piece’s title, collection, dimensions, and price.Contact Us to inquire about purchasing, commissioning work or seeing additional pieces.Pieces will be marked SOLD as they find their new homes.
Let's Connect
Have a question about an available piece, interested in purchasing an original work, or envisioning something uniquely your own?Whether you're exploring a custom commission, gallery or display opportunity, or creative collaboration, we'd love to hear from you.Every piece we create is shaped by the natural character of the wood, making each one truly unique. Whatever brings you here, tell us a little about your interests, ideas, or what you have in mind. We'd love to explore the possibilities together.
Thank You
Thanks for reaching out to Ozark Timber & Tide. We’ve received your message and will get back to you soon.In the meantime, you can explore our latest work, available pieces, and works in progress on Facebook.Connect with us on FacebookShaped by nature. Reimagined by hand.