Land Art Love
As an artist and a mom, I sometimes miss (crave, mourn, etc!) those uninterrupted hours to just work on my art. But let me tell you, just because an artist doesn't make "masterpieces" on a regular basis, it doesn't mean that creative energy just goes away. No, in fact it stays bottled up in there and can wreak havoc until it is let out somehow. And if you do not label yourself an artist you might be thinking, hmmm, should I even read on. Yes, because whether we know it or not ALL OF US, especially those short of "me" time, have pent up energy inside that needs to get out. Using creative means of doing so could just bring you that elusive moment of peace you've been searching for.
I've gotten into the habit of collecting materials while we are outside. My husband recently pointed out how fascinating the "mess" was in our dining room. He meant it in the most endearing way. I, like many artist find myself drawn to collecting interesting objects. Right now, I am outside with my kids all the time so most of my objects are natural ones. They make sweet still-lifes and inspire a lot of creative projects and play. Do they kind of tend to take over the house sometimes....maybe. No studio for me at the moment so that will continue. Tis the season of my life (and our house!). But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Some of my treasures don't make it inside though. As my children will attest, I am always making things when we are playing outside. So often times, as they play ball or run around in the snow, I am picking up sticks, stones, or whatever else I find and arranging them to make temporary art, fleeting moments, seeking solace in the act of creating within the chaos that is parenting!
If you haven't tried making land art, give it a go. You can start small with a simple mandala or stone stack. Maybe line up leaves to make a gradient of shades. Do whatever feels right. But if you are wanting to go a little bigger and really wow the kids, try some large-scale earth art. So much fun and it really takes a team effort to complete! And of course check out Andy Goldsworthy, the awe-inspiring land artist, if you are in need of any reference or inspiration of any kind.
The heart art pictured above was a land art piece my daughter and I made for Valentine's Day out in the yard. With safety scissors in hand we walked around trimming off old bit and pieces from the fall. She was so into it and loved the harvesting just as much as she did the creating, probably more so. That's the beauty, the process. It's not always the end result that soothes the soul but in this case, the final piece made us both smile. How can you not feel good seeing all that love in the back yard every time you look out the window, right?
The awesome thing about making art outside is that the materials are free, the world is your canvas, and you get the greatest rush of gratitude and accomplishment as you step back to see what you've made. It is sometimes fast and furious making with kids, while other times everyone kind of just gets into the zone and it's very zen. All depends on the day. But no matter how it unfolds or what you create, it will always leave you better off then when you started, guaranteed.
Then there is the transformative power of nature. If you make art close to home you can watch as it unravels, shape shifts, and melts aways before your eyes. This type of art is not permanent and is truly a release. A way to embrace the fleeting nature of things and learn to appreciate life in the moment.
Here are some examples of art we've made outside, both big and small. Hope it inspires you to get out there and make some of your own...because whether we realize it or not, everyone needs that sweet release that only comes with making something. You don''t have to be an artist to create. But if you are an artist and a parent - trust me, this just might save you! ; )
