Whats'at? My unexpected Wooden Sculpture

Sometimes the best creations happen by accident—and this sculpture is living proof. Originally intended as a component of a completely different project, this smooth, elongated wooden form took on a life of its own when I placed it on a base, ready for painting. Before I could pick up a brush, it started turning heads.

Everyone who saw it asked the same question: “What’s that?” And just like that, it earned its name – “Whats’at”.

This Instructable isn’t about following a rigid plan. It’s about embracing the unexpected and discovering beauty in the simplicity. I’ll walk you through how this piece was created.

Perhaps you can create your own version—or let your “mistake” become an unexpected masterpiece.

Supplies

I used a recyled fence post for the main body and a piece of scrap hard wood for the base, and two drill bits. I did have a wood lathe, chop saw and variours hand tools available in the workshop.

Step 1: Prep Main Body

I cut a fence post (the end without any nails), and then fitted the piece onto the wood lathe.

Step 2: Shaping the Body

I shaped the main body on the wood lathe. The shape I was going for was in the form of a large bird body (this was meant for another project altogether!). After some time I managed this shape.

Step 3: Making the Base

I used a scrap piece of hardwood for the base, choosing a size that would visually and physically balance the main body of the sculpture. After marking the centre point, I drilled halfway through the wood using a 22mm bit. Then, I switched to a 16mm bit to continue the hole all the way through the base. To ensure a snug fit for the main body sloping tail, I carefully shaped the hole with a wood chisel, creating a gentle slope that mirrors the taper of the main body. Finally I fitted the main body onto the base.

Step 4: A Sculpture Appears

My final step was to leave my creation on a outside area – ready for painting. Amazingly folks kept noticing and commenting on my ‘creation’. It was then that I realised that I had unintentionally created a piece of interest. Folks kept asking “Whats‘at – So I named my sculpture the Whats’at, and it now has a prominent place in our local Menshed for all to see and hopefully – admire.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best creations aren’t planned. They just happen.

Step 5: What Ai Thinks of My Artwork

Out of curiosity I ran a picture of the sculpture through an Ai bot - but it didn’t seem to think much of my creation (see attached video).

What do YOU think of my sculpture – Please comment.

Thanks for joining me on this unexpected creative journey. The Whats’at sculpture may have started as a mistake, but it’s become something that I’m proud to share it with you.