The Evolving Process of Creating Outdoor Living Art
At times nature can be used to sooth. At times features of nature can be used to excite. Other times features of our world can be created to invoke thought. This can be found around the world in special lands reserved for artistic creations. Sculpture parks are nothing new, but unless you are in the know, finding them can take a little digging around. The beauty created in these special areas is meant to inspire, stimulate questions, generate a sense of awe.
Two inspiring locations not far away in NY are The Storm King Art Center and Opus 40. Both worthy of a family road trip or a stop if passing through.
One of the things we really enjoy at Sierra Landscape is not only the ability to have access to works like these, but to create special features of our own. In locations much closer to home. We light up at the idea of creating not just features for family and friends to gather, but to also create spaces that delight and amaze differently each time you use them. That in itself is a concept that is a bit abstract. How can you create with intention a result when the medium you are using is more powerful than you? Manipulate as you may try, in it's core nature will always win.
The idea is simple. Nature will have it's way. However, by using experiences of how nature plays it is possible to suggest certain outcomes by design. Most of the time it works, sometimes it does not. This is what makes this a lifetime craft. Either way lessons are always learned. The one secret we have found along the way is understanding that it is never perfect. It was never meant to be. That is part of the fun of landscaping and gardening. Try as you may, nature will always do what it wants. We have found the ability to roll with it rather than contriving into restrictive molds is the best approach.
Last year we began discussion to create a concept for an artistic feature at a Warren County, NJ historic farm. The farm land itself deep with history, had seen many renditions as families were raised and the land itself evolved over time. The journey was varying, though the result each generation was a special place for those that graced it at those moments in time. The homeowners understood this and also wanted to create not only something fun to look at, but also a legacy piece that would continue appreciation for the property for the future generation as well.
Like all works of art, the process is fluid. It must be adaptable, dynamic, forward thinking, and with a grain of trusting the unknown. In concept features like this start as an idea, though the final details often discovered along the way. Usually, the main points are known, the idea and concept, and even a few important elements. Much like a Bob Ross painting though we can all see the mountains, what delights and excites though is the morning you look out and see the bird you never realized in the tree. This goes for the paintings and real life the same.
In the video below we express the concept creation of an artistic S shaped stone wall that is not the feature, but a starting point for the work of art about to unfold. Certainly by itself a very strong statement and a feature that could stand alone. The part that most excites the process though is along the way the discovery of more ideas and concepts that will bring this one feature to life. This wall is just the starting point. More walls are scheduled to be built, along with a wildflower meadow, an ever evolving firewood labyrinth, woodland tree reforestation, and the habitats and unknowns that will come along with this ever evolving work of art. In the end it will be amazing so long as we always remember to keep it light and understand nature always wins. It will be an exciting journey.