Create art using items found in nature
Grade Level:
K-12
Subjects:
Earth and Human Activity
Natural Resources
Art
Creativity
Nature
Tools & Materials
The great outdoors
Your creativity
To Do & Notice
1. Question: What is Earth Art or Land Art?
2. Make a Claim:
Can you make art out of only natural materials that you find in nature?
3. Gather Inspiration:
Andy Goldsworthy - nature artist
3. Make Your Own Earth Art
Earth Art Guidelines: Our goal is to create art with minimal impact on the environment. Therefore it is recommended that you use non-living materials from nature rather than living materials. All items should come from nature (no man-made materials). If you decide to use living materials please follow the guidance below:
Gather non-living, natural materials from the ground. Pinecones, rocks, stickes, pine needles, sand, etc.
If you want to use something living, like a flower or leaf there must be many more than one on the plant.
Never pick something that is the only one.
Find the spot where you want to make your art. A flat open spot, cleared of other loose items makes a good canvas.
Think about what you want to make: a tower, mandala, caterpillar, animal, statue, or something entirely new and weird! More ideas here or here.
Spend time collecting your nature items.
Create!
4. Share your Art
Post a picture of your art to inspire others on social media. Tag us @sweptahoe on Instagram and/or to @swep4 on Facebook. Be sure to hashtag and follow #SWEPsnippets. If you cannot post directly yourself, send to SWEP (Jenna@4swep.org).
What’s Going On
What is Earth Art?
Art that is made only from items found in nature and is often incorporated into the landscape. This art has a temporary nature and changes with time as nature changes, perhaps pieces blow away, decay, change, get absorbed into the earth, etc. All of this is part of the process of Earth Art.
Why make earth art?
It is a way to honor the earth
A great way to spend time outside
It is an ideal way to express our creativity
It is free to all, excluding no one
Allows us to see how nature and art can change over time
Resources
Using only snowshoes and a compass, artists are able to create beautiful snow art mandalas across the landscape. Check it out:
Simon Beck’s snow art video & website
Local snow art at Sagehen Creek Field Station: Saghen Art Blogspot: Snow Drawings
Going Further
Make a leaf print mandala.
Make a flower suncatcher.
10 outdoor games you can make with rocks
Thank you to Sagehen Outdoor Education Program, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District and our many partners for supporting student's science, sustainability and outdoor learning experiences.
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