By Daily Mail Reporter An artist has created a stunning series of sea urchin sculptures made entirely from coloured pencils. American sculptor Jen Maestre can spend up to two months on each of her intricate creations, inspired by the sea creature's organic form. The 49-year-old must cut hundreds of sharpened pencils into one-inch sections for each piece, drilling a hole in every one so they can be stitched together. Looking sharp: Jen Maestre's sea urchin sculptures are made entirely from colouring pencils Ms Maestre's obsession with prickly creatures began while studying at Massachusetts College of Art. 'I found that nails, pushed through window screen worked well, and I could use many different types and textures and colours of nails.' She started making her pencil sculptures ten years ago and her work has since been featured in countless exhibitions and sculpture shows. Jen can spend up to two months on each of her intricate creations The artist said she enjoyed the paradox of using industrially manufactured objects to create flexible forms imitating the organic shapes of animals and nature. 'Sometimes one sculpture will inspire the next, or maybe I'll make a mistake, and that will send me off in a new direction,' she said. Painstaking: Ms Maestre cuts hundreds of sharpened pencils into one-inch sections for each piece, drilling a hole in each one in order that they can be stitched together 'My sculptures were originally inspired by the form and function of the sea urchin. 'I started experimenting with different materials to make urchin forms. 'The spines of the urchin, so dangerous yet beautiful, serve as an explicit warning against contact Drawing inspiration: Ms Maestre's obsession with prickly creatures began while studying at art college. She started making her pencil sculptures ten years ago 'The alluring texture of the spines draws the touch in spite of the possible consequences. 'There is a true fragility to the sometimes brutal aspect of the sculptures, vulnerability that is belied by the fearsome texture.' Ms Maestre's work has proved a hit among collectors and her creations can sell for up to $5,000 (£3,000) at the Massachusetts gallery that shows her work. Contrast: The artist said she enjoyed the paradox of using industrially manufactured objects to create flexible forms imitating the organic shapes of animals and nature Point bank: Ms Maestre's work has proved a hit among collectors and her creations can sell for up to $5,000 Sharp idea: The sculptor says there is a true fragility to the sculptures, belied by a fearsome texture http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1204457/Getting-point-The-stunning-se...