A FORM OF EVOLVED CONTEMPLATION

John Wolseley. In this piece he has used the "frotting" technique of rubbing the paper across charred grass and twigs. See website here

"My work is a form of evolved contemplation. If you live in nature for a time, you have almost mystical experiences. You get into a state of lyrical excitement and become part of the things that are happening around you: the grass quivering, the birds singing. On a sunny day there is an extraordinary feeling of energy, as light dazzles, bees buzz, birds dart, lizards slither. Nature moves through your veins in a spiritual way, and then the work of art flows out like birdsong" - John Wolseley

Camel Gate Border Track by John Wolseley. See website here.

The Wolseley quote echoes the way I feel about making art. Since it is nearly Autumn I'm preparing to move outdoors to carve again. It is my time to connect with nature and produce my best carvings. I'm feeling the flutterings of anticipation!

Green Pods by Lori Goodman. See Lori's website here.

The artists I've featured in this post share a similar bond or affinity with nature. Lori Goodman's amazing paper pod pieces caught my eye and when I found her website I also fell in love with her stacked paper installations. She makes her own kozo paper from Japanese mulberry bark to use in her work.

Arranged according to subject matter (detail) by Lori Goodman. See website here.

"For many years I have made paper and loved doing so. I enjoy the connection to its history, the knowing that for thousands of years something has been made so simply and yet has such an amazing impact on our world. Yet often I deny the medium, focusing only on the "art", the "message". As I began to make the paper for this exhibit, I became very aware of the process. The meditation and rhythm and the absolute beauty of the paper itself became of primary importance" - Lori Goodman

Dots for pods (detail) by Lori Goodman

Repeats installation. See website here.

Carved and painted wooden pods by Liz McAuliffe. See website here.

"Creating from and with nature has long been a way for me to stay connected to myself and my environment." - Liz McAuliffe

Carved and painted, larger than life, wooden Lotus slices and Pod by Liz McAuliffe. Website here.

To give you an idea of size, Liz McAuliffe stands next to her beautiful carved pieces. To see a wonderful video about Liz and her work, click here.