I just found the work of Lou Rota in an old inspiration book, I really like the way she creates new pieces from unloved old crockery and furniture, her finished works are very appealing to the child in me.
Ricky Swallow is another artist whose work I saw at Sydney Art Gallery. I really like his beautifully detailed sculptures, the top image was on display in the gallery and apart from the bucket is all carved singularly from one piece of wood.
Another artist whose work really impressed me was the subtle sculptural work of Japanese artist Yoshihiro Suda. The rose shown is sculpted out of wood.