What
is living sculpture?
We are defining living sculpture as sculpture created
with living, growing, or recently harvested plants.
It can be functional and/or ornamental.
What
comes to mind when you think of sculpture?
Chances are, you may think of something made from clay,
plaster, glass, bronze, or even, plastic. Sculptors
through the ages have traditionally worked with media
such as these. Although sculpting plants isn’t
a new idea (think bonsai or topiary), its recent rediscovery
by artists, horticulturalists, gardeners, and young
people has given living sculpture an innovative popularity.
Living
sculpture offers a highly appealing blend of art and
science. On one hand, you’re creating a piece
of art. It’s creative, it may be whimsical, and
will surely stand out in your backyard, park, school,
or community center. Creating a living sculpture gives
you the chance to bring your own unique vision or idea
to life (literally!) On the other hand, this piece of
art is alive! The plants you use are a vital part of
your sculpture. Those plants have needs that must be
met to keep your sculpture alive, and may require special
horticultural skills, such as grafting, to create the
art.
Featured video: What is Living Sculpture?
Why make a living sculpture? In the Cornell Garden-Based Learning Program, we are
constantly on the look out for exciting activities that
present gardening and horticulture in an unusual light.
Not everyone gardens, nor is everyone interested in
gardening. Yet, educators are eager to try something
new in programs with children and youth, and educators
are increasingly concerned about our environment; we
all desire ways to connect children and youth in meaningful
ways to the earth. Creating art from plants is an exciting
place to begin!
Living sculpture is also a collaborative process. It’s
true that the introductory activities in our on-line
project guide are easy and can be completed indoors.
And, you could plan, design, create, and care for a
living sculpture on your own. However, living sculpture
can also be a public piece of art. It can bring artistic
minds, logistical minds, and scientific minds together.
As a team project, creating a living sculpture can be
about more than just art or science! A team collaborating
to design and build a living sculpture can learn a lot
about themselves, each other, and what partnerships
are all about - while making a functional and/or ornamental
public sculpture in their community.
In the Cornell Garden-Based Learning Program, we are
constantly on the look out for exciting activities that
present gardening and horticulture in an unusual light.
Not everyone gardens, nor is everyone interested in
gardening. Yet, educators are eager to try something
new in programs with children and youth, and educators
are increasingly concerned about our environment; we
all desire ways to connect children and youth in meaningful
ways to the earth. Creating art from plants is an exciting
place to begin!
