I’ve been a fan of artist Patrick Dougherty ever since I saw some of his work in college. I’m sure I saw it via slides in a slide projector, because I am THAT OLD.
Dougherty began making small woven stick sculptures in 1980, but moved onto giant, site-specific installations that he continues to create now. He utilizes volunteers and assistants to help him gather, clean and weave twigs and saplings for his sculptures.
Spinoffs Decordova Museum, Lincoln, Massachusettes, 1990. Photographer: George Vasquez.
I love the idea of a big inclusive group of people working together to make a giant piece, and a similar project can be adapted for a group of kids. There’s an artist named Susan Perrine who hires herself out to plan and facilitate just such a project, and she worked with an entire group of 7th grade kids and their teachers to make a 12′ garden hut over the course of a day. Photos here: twig house
Kids are drawn to Dougherty’s massive sculptures because they are:
1. Made out of sticks
2. Giant and crazy-looking, like the best forts in the world
And that’s why I like them, too.
The Summer Palace Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 2009. Photographer: Rob Cardillo
Here’s our version of a Patrick Dougherty project that’s a perfect introduction to weaving and working with nature to make a piece of art.
You will need:
- A trellis (these are from Lowes- click the pic for details)
- twigs and/or vines- you can use green ones if you snip the leaves off. They will be more pliable. Otherwise, use brown ones and be careful so they don’t snap. Or soak them in a baby pool for 2-3 days!
- garden clippers
- twine or thin wire for securing your twigs if they’re not long enough to weave in very far
Weaving is such a simple concept but exceedingly satisfying when you start to see your piece coming together. Just begin weaving around the form at the bottom and work your way up. For the top part we used small, really bendy twigs. The vines we used weren’t pliable enough to weave in and out of the very close-together bars, so we would skip going under a bar or two.
When we got to the top, we would tuck in the bigger end of the vine and wrap it around the outside of the trellis before weaving in the narrow end. When we got to the outer vines, we tucked the wider end in under a bar, wrapped the vine around the form, and then tucked in the small end.
See how much fun this child is having?
The finished product! You can definitely go nuts and cover the whole piece completely with sticks. I may have to keep adding onto this slowly. Here’s where the thinking comes in: talk about what this sculpture might look like in a month or two. What will happen to it as it sits outside taking hits from the rain, wind and curious animals?
This idea is inherent in Dougherty’s work. His pieces are built up from natural materials and eventually return to the earth.
This is a new book of his work, including anecdotes and further insight into his work and methods. This would be a great addition to your lovely coffee table art book collection.
See Patrick Dougherty’s website for more information about his work and some really cool videos.
Hey, fellow creative kid-lovers. Why don't you join me on Facebook?
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Cool stuff! I used to live near the Decordova and went there all the time. Great for kids! Love what your daughter created. Great too because you can make it outside!
Ann recently posted…And the Flowers and the Trees
I remember slide projectors…love this post and the project is fantastic.Wish I saw the DeCordova with this piece – love it.
capability recently posted…Will Travel for Food
Yes, this is awesome. These structures are straight out of a kid’s storybook and they give me chills and I love them.
Oooh- I looked up the Decordova. It looks really cool. How amazing to be able to see one of these in real life!
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…How to Lure a 15 Year Old Into an Art Project
Slide projectors were the best! I actually got a chance to use one again about a year ago, and it made me so happy.
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…If Skateboards are the New Porsche, Include Your Kids in Your Crisis
How cool if someone would write a mysterious, wonderful kids’ story to go along with these pieces.
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…2 Great Creative Sites for Young ‘uns
i’m a serious dummy when it comes to this kind of art, but i’m learning so much from you girl! thanks
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Amazing and I’ve never been to the Decordova museum though it’s right near my house! Thanks for motivating me. The stick house isn’t there anymore, though, right?
PragmaticMom recently posted…Best Books for Kids By Kids: The Children’s Choice Book Awards
Oh, yay! I’m glad you’re getting something out of these posts. You’ll be all art snobby in no time.
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…The Company Store’s Unique Design Contest for Kids
You’ll have to take a little field trip and report back with what you find out. I doubt it’s still there since the photo was from 1990. It must have long since blown away…
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…The Company Store’s Unique Design Contest for Kids
Very, very cool.
Krista recently posted…Currently
I love this. You are AWESOME.
Thanks Bonnie!
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Kid Made Modern Giveaway!!!
Thanks!
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Kid Made Modern Giveaway!!!
Oh, I love this! I’m sure I’ve seen pictures of his work before. It’s fascinating!
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