Sense of Place Activities: Feel Closer to the Natural World

Feel Closer to the Natural World

In all seasons, we want the outdoors. Being outside inspires us to create art in the style of nationally known artist Andy Goldsworthy and get to knowt he art elements, shape, line, color, and texture!

About the artist:
Andy Goldsworthy is a naturalist, meaning all of his art is related to nature. Born in England in 1956, he grew up as a farm laborer. After graduating with an arts degree, he began creating sculpture inspired by the natural world. His art uses twigs, icicles, roots and rocks, and is made all around th world, from Australia to Scotland to the United States. We most commonly see his art photographs because most natural elements change with time and photographs preserve the wartowrk in a certain moment. Learn more and see more examples of Goldsworthy's art at https://www.theartstory.org/artist/goldsworthy-andy.

Sense of Place activity with Mary Helen Maskill:
If you've been looking for a way to feel closer to the natural world to express your feelings by making art, your family will enjoy this activity. Next time you're out for a walk or even in the backyard, pick up those loose objects (not disturbing nature) that look interesting to you.

Kids always find 'treasures' to bring home! Now arrange them in a pattern on paper, on the sidewalk, or even in the grass or dirt. By some estimates, 90% of all animal life on our planet is insects, so I decided to create my art like an insect. Notice how the shapes and colors make you think it could be real. Do texture and lines invent a bug you've ever seen?

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