The Magic of Natural Art

“Exuberance” by Adam Long

Creating art from nature is a consistently unique experience. Being in nature and gathering natural objects is the beginning of my creative process. I look for things that have lovely textures, colors, and inspiring forms, but I’m also gathering experiences that become part of the sculptures. The shape of a cloud, a chill breeze, the sun in my eyes, or the passing of a nearby animal all contribute to the artwork. I begin by looking for ways to preserve and communicate that moment.

In the studio, those objects and experiences start inspiring creativity. I playfully explore the possibilities in each combination and juxtaposition of objects. This process is very open and unknown. Each branch tells me the story it wants me to tell. The ideas I wish to express must be discussed with the natural objects and we find a consensus that results, hopefully, in an engaging sculpture. I know it sounds odd to say these sticks communicate with me, but that is the way it feels. At the base of that communication, I am simply responding to the natural forms and seeing human anatomical forms, but it is more involved than that. I’m finding an emotion or thought to share, and I ask the branches to tell that story with me.

It is a rewarding process that is mentally engaging and fun. This blog is too short to try to explain the minutia and skills of creating my Forest Figure sculptures. I offer classes and workshops for that. Instead, I hope that this reveals the heart and spirit of my creative process. It is all based on connecting with the natural world. People often ask me if I spend a lot of time in the woods.  My answer is, “Not nearly enough.”

by Adam Long

Humans have been crafting art and useful objects from nature for centuries, but in today’s mechanized world, we have been losing touch with grown and found things. My artwork has found a contemporary way to tell stories with these materials. I suspect that is one reason why my Forest Figure sculptures are widely collected.  I have found an artform that is very old, niche, mysterious and magical. I hope that the sculptures appear to have grown into their dynamic poses without my hand being evident.

I suppose that is why the main question I’m asked is, “How do you do it?” It took a long time to be able to answer that question since the process isn’t verbal and linguistic. I just do it. It is tactile and visual. It is experiential. The process is somewhat mundane with lots of little magic moments interspersed.