Nature Sculpture

Environmental Education Topic for September:
Nature Sculpture

The natural world is filled with forms, colors, and textures. Whether you have access to large driftwood logs, or you are out making art in back of the Club with leaves and sticks, natural materials can become elements of amazing sculptures. Attention to the beauty and diversity of natural forms around us can help deepen our connection to the local environment.


Inspired by Andrew Goldsworthy
Check out a book by Andrew Goldsworthy from the Seattle Public Library. Use the photos as examples of sculpture made entirely from natural materials. Ask the kids how he may have constructed the pieces shown. How long might it have taken to build the pieces? What do the kids like or dislike? What questions would they ask Andrew Goldsworthy about his art? For even more information you can also check out the Rivers and Tides documentary on Andrew Goldsworthy from the library. This film is more suitable for an older audience, but younger kids would enjoy shorter parts demonstrating Goldsworthy's artistic process.

Sculpture Activity
The kids can work alone or in groups to create their sculpture from natural materials. Discuss some artistic considerations such as positive and negative space, balance, combination of colors and textures, and how the piece involves the viewer. Remind kids to use materials found on the ground (rather than stripped from a tree) and encourage thought of the landscape in which the piece will be built.

Art Show
After the groups have finished their art gather everyone together. Each group or artist will have an opportunity to show their art and explain their ideas. Encourage questions from the viewers about the materials selected, what was most difficult to achieve, the name of the piece, and what the piece might mean or allude to. Environmental art is by nature impermanent. Bring a camera and let each group or artist take pictures of their creation. You can continue to visit the art on different days to see how other people or the natural elements have added to or changed the work.


The above photos show kids from the Federal Way Club and the wonderful constructions they created on a Parks In Focus trip to the Olympic Peninsula this summer. The Udall Foundation provided digital cameras for the kids to use and keep and Parks In Focus staff led photographic and environmental education activities.