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Whitewater Preserve |
A couple of weekends ago, my art MeetUp group gathered at the Whitewater Preserve for a morning of land art creations. It was the first time since I was a child, building stick houses around exposed tree roots, that I planned on creating something using only natural material and tools strictly from the surrounding environment. In the spirit of true land artists, we used no rope, glue, paper clips, etc. to bring our vision to life. I did bring gloves for moving around river rocks, but never used them.
Before arriving my intention was to create something using the plentiful rocks by the river. But once I got to the site, I saw lots of driftwood that inspired something completely different.
Excited to have a new idea, I began gathering. And gathering. Gathering armloads upon armloads of "just right" pieces of driftwood. I knew I would need alot, but quickly realized I would need much more than I expected! During the 2 and 1/2 hours I tried my hand at land art, I'd gained a whole new appreciation and respect for land artists and what they see in the wilds around them, and especially for their patience, flexibility and the physical work involved with bringing about their masterpieces.
At the end of three hours, our small group reconvened for a short break and a light discussion sharing our experience in trying this, followed by an inspiring walking tour of each participant's work throughout the Preserve. It was a fantastic way to spend the morning out in nature and in such a creative way. I can't wait to try this again!
Check out my first land art creation in the photos below. Click the link at the end of this post for more images from the day, including the five other installations!
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If I had more time, I would have kept going by adding more rays to try and make more of a stylized octopus-like design. |
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I was very proud of this ray! |
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After about three hours of working solo, we gathered for our own land art "gallery" tour, visiting each participant's works throughout the different environments at the preserve. |
For more images of the day, please visit this photo album full of fellow creative's land art creations!
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I love your land art! There is a spot on the bike path between Frisco and Copper Mountain, Colorado where if you pull off to the side of the road there is a little hidden place people create sculptures with rocks and stones. You have to know it's there to find it and it's like coming upon a treasure field! Also, when hiking in Colorado, it's a family tradition to yell out "Natural Art!" when you see something particularly beautiful in nature like a really cool stump of a tree or fallen log or moss covered rock. Glad I stumbled upon your cool stuff! All the best from my creative oasis to yours!
ReplyDeleteHi creativeoasiscoach!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and sharing your comments (yay!). I love the idea of this hidden sculpture garden created by people moved by the beauty and materials of the spot--what a treat! And I love your family's tradtion of calling out "Natural Art!" Just might have to "steal" that one :)
Thank you again for visiting...here's to our creative best, back at 'cha!