Rip Tide by Diego Harris is a powerful abstract sculpture that captures the motion and energy of nature through spiraling form.

Constructed from Corten steel, the piece rises from the ground with a rooted base before twisting upward in layered, inverted spirals. The movement suggests swirling water or a cresting wave, giving the sculpture a sense of constant motion while remaining firmly grounded.

Harris draws inspiration directly from natural patterns, particularly spirals and organic structures found in plants, water, and wind. In Rip Tide, these influences come together in a form that feels both fluid and architectural. The sculpture invites viewers to move around it, discovering new lines, shapes, and perspectives with each step.

Material plays a critical role in the work. Fabricated from Corten steel, the sculpture develops a rich, stable patina that protects the surface while enhancing its visual depth. This allows the piece to evolve over time without losing its structural integrity, reinforcing Harris’s focus on durability and long-term presence in outdoor environments.

Born in Baja California and now based in Upper Lake, California, Harris has been working as a professional artist since 2007. With experience across a wide range of materials, including recycled metals and mixed media, he ultimately found his passion in large-scale welded sculpture. His work spans public and private commissions, combining technical skill with a fascination for natural form and movement.

Heart of the Desert – 2025

$12,000 – 9′ x 6′ x 4′ – Corten steel sheeting and plate as well as Steel rebar for an internal structure.

Sponsored by Bold & Delaney Winery

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My focus is on larger than life abstract steel sculpture. For my entry in the Art Around the Corner show I have chosen “Heart of the Desert”. Heart of the Desert is an abstract corten steel sculpture with a very fluid design. Most of my sculptures have a design that is leaning toward nature but also with an industrial quality. This sculpture has a design that can only be described as flowing water. It first turns one way only to quickly turn back again like water in a stream moving around a rock or like a wave crashing on a beach. It does this while also having surfaces and edges which give it a modern man made look. It is made of corten steel sheeting which will develop a fine red orange rust patina. There is also an internal structure of steel rebar. All the seem welded edges are sanded smooth and there are 4 bolt down locations at the base to secure it. It weighs about 225 lbs.

Tidal Wave – 2024

$12,000 – 9.8’ X 6.4’ X 3.5’ – Corten steel and rebar

Sponsored by Southern Utah Wine Guild

I am an artist whose focus is on larger-than-life, abstract steel sculpture. “Tidal Wave” is an abstract corten steel sculpture with a very fluid design. Most of my sculptures have a design that leans toward nature, but also has an industrial quality. Tidal Wave has a design that can only be described as flowing water. It first turns one way, only to quickly turn back again, like water in a stream moving around a rock or like a wave crashing on a beach. It does this while also having surfaces and edges which give it a modern, manmade look. Over time its corten steel sheeting will develop a fine red orange rust patina. There is also an internal structure of steel rebar.