Project Blog: Environmental Project

The beginning...I went from having some idea of my project, to having no idea. lol On my way to class that Wednesday morning (the day we were suppose to set up in the park) I had and "ah ha" moment, everything that I was partially seeing came together as one. And not to mention that on the way I passed 2 homes with cut logs in the grass and I was really attracted to them. After the last one, I said, "That is it! That is the missing element in my design...I have to turn around and ask these people if I can have these stumps." I asked and they encourage me to take them. So it worked out. The only problem now was that I had to cut them up and that delayed my process, not only did I have to miss the class set up, I then had to try several attempts at cutting the wood with something other than the right thing...a chain saw! Three days later it came together and I was able to cut them with a chain saw...what fun! (It was an experience that I think everyone should have.)lol ( I should have taken pics of hacking session.)

As the project developed...I wanted to feature the inner beauty of the tree and make it visible. I wanted to create the picture of a magical process of sections of the log coming off the stump and moving up the tree limb. IT'S ALIVE! There is life in that stump trying to reconnect with its original form, much like us...trying to reconnect with our original form of our innerspirit...our natural spirit and nature.

The web of raffia connecting to earth best represents this idea and it symbolizes the vast impact that trees have on the earth,(materials to build, make paper, create tools, cleaning suplies, keep the air clean and on and on. )Trees are one of our greatest resources...a great blessing.

It was very pleasing to get feed back from local passers by. People kept stop and asking what was I doing. They liked it, but what was it? I should have asked them to tell me what they saw. That would've been interesting, but I didn't, so oh well.

Like all things...my experience on the frindge of the woods came to an end. The park ranger asked me to take it down. I didn't get upset...he was nice about it. I could tell that he felt guilty for making me take it down, so he refrenced me to the nature preserve director so that I could possibly see if she would let me put it to good use in the nature preserve area as an art display. I really liked his peace offering. lol Now I hope that she will too! As the day progressed and evening came, I began to remember a poem that I wrote 9 years ago and it helped me process my expression in this project. Nine years ago when I wrote it I was sitting by a river on the campus of the university I was attending at that time. I retreated to that spot because it relaxed me and there were trees all around and that day I was stressing out about school and although it was nine years ago, it fit so well with my sentiment today in this work... so I will share with you....

Slown down, put things into perspective. The path is narrow but, it is only so long. Time is an allusion made of a web that we wrap ourselves in. Sometimes we perish...

You have the choice...Live Now! Now is the present, the past and the future.

So much to do, but to what avail?

Is it necessary? Am I caught in oblivion or a manifestation of my own chaos....

Chaos, inside ...out.

Just a being with meager chances to succeed. (I THINK NOT!)

Asleep maybe...If I am sleeping awake me from my subconcious mind.

If I am sleeping wake me...up.

My thoughts are so intense, they hurt my head.

My body tightens like the walls that give birth.

Relax...breathe..hmm...breathe.

Now I can feel God's presence around me...

Now I can allivate my self inflicted distress.

Release!

Peace.

Texts Notes - Skip Schulman

After reading his profile, I developed more respect for his artwork. I already liked the idea of it being completly natural and made from materials already present in the space, but the reading really helped me to understand how dedicated he is to "purity" of his work. Although he is not conventional in his contracting,planning or execution it is all for a reason. He really is an artist. I really enjoyed reading about his development of his relationship with his clients and his intended influence on their lives. Skip's work is really based on taking the opportunity to contribute something directly to the client's life to make it better in some way or open a window for them to live naturally with what is around them. It is refreshing to see someone take interest in reviving some part of ancient living and not make the idea so far reaching. It is inspiring to see him use the a very minimal amount of tools to make such intricate living spaces. I also was inspired by his diverse background in wildlife, landscaping, and architecture and his successful merger of those experiences that led development of his art type. He is truly unique. I found it interesting that he works by the day and that he and the client review and decided each day if they will continue the project...that is definitely not usual. I was also impressed in his attempt to wed his artwork to the values of his clients and their needs...he seems to be very concerned with the client's growth and development within his art work. He is like a fairy...oops (too girly)...brownie or something.

project notes

So far I have come up with about 4 ideas, but I think the best thing for me to do is go back out to the park walk through it again now with these concepts in mind. My eyes might feel different...lol.
Concept 1 was a small mud structure inspired by my trip to a organic farm where they built a mud house to store some of their crops throughout the year. Initally the project was going in that direction but just using the mud as a base structure and developing it into a small space for big enough for one person to fit in with an additon of planted floral embellishments.

Concept 2 was a series of "floating" floral panels that are connected to a few trees along the pathways. This would be a compelation of landscaping fencing and binding with natural cords or vines to secure limbs, pine straw, leaves or flowers. I wanted to to design these panels by cutting into the outer edges of the structure and arranging them in sequential order in a random pattern.

Concept 3
Digging an outline ( a big hole made to look like a particular shape) and planting grass or flowers into it so that as it grows it takes on a new dimension and the figure stands out from the natural space. This one would have to grow over time to reach its full aesthetic potential.

I am going to go and hang out in a landscaping/gardening section in Lowe's and further investigate my needs. I really want to do something that fits naturally into the space but stands out obviously as a piece of art work. Later I will post sketches of my hybrids...