Sand Tree Trunks

I seem to blather on about where I find inspiration and much to my children’s chagrin alot of it comes from the nature we are surrounded by. Ever since my kids were small I would point out the beautiful or unusually coloured hides on cows or horses as we drove by. A stunning field of sunflowers, cloud formations, hawks or a wheat blowing in a gentle breeze creating a wave of energy over the field. Now that they are 20 and 18 I still can’t prevent myself from pointing things out, they are not amused when I shriek while they are driving about the amazing field of poppies I just saw. Having said that, I do catch them every now and then telling me what the shapes of clouds remind them of or did I see that fabulous harvest moon?

Continuing that train of thought on where I find inspiration I recently came across a couple of artist who remind me of each other and have taken art from nature to a whole other level that is truly inspirational.

The first artist is British naturalist Andy Goldsworthy. Alot of his art is temporary and created outdoors if the wind blows it away, he starts over again. Because of the mortality of his art he uses photography as a form of documentation to capture the essence of his work. Talk about an “art attack”! He works with leaves, rocks, seasons, cycles, snow, ice, sticks, and organic materials. “Looking, touching, material, place and form are all inseparable from the resulting work. It is difficult to say where one stops and another begins.” Andy Goldsworthy.

Autumn Leaves by Andy Goldsworthy

Stones by Andy Goldsworthy

Snow Circles

The second artist I am already dreaming about being able to commission. His work is so organic and begs to be touched.

Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira was a student in São Paulo,when the plywood fence outside his window began to peel and fade into different layers and colors. When the fence was dismantled, he collected the remains which has now propelled and inspired him into his new dynamic and undulating creations.

I may just have to include a trip to Brazil to see these fabulous creations live!

Wood Wall sculpture by Henrique Oliveira

Henrique Oliveira