Creations from the vast catalog of human history bear witness to man's artistic involvement with landscape and places. The process can be seen throughout civilization, from the stone circles of the Megalithic cultures to the manmade landscapes of eighteenth-century English gardens. This trend has continued and evolved along with mankind, and since the late 1960's a number of leading artists have reaffirmed the importance of man's relationship with the earth. Rapport with places and natural materials has led artists to create subtle creative interventions that do not impose on nature but instead evolve from the artist's dialogue with the "spirit of the place." The resulting creations bear the fruits of that dialogue, playing with, harmonizing with, or amplifying the inherent qualities of the place.

In this mainly outdoor workshop we will enhance our sensitivity for the natural environment by using all our senses. Through observational exercises, drawing, and simple sculptural exercises with a variety of materials we will become aware of the spatial movements and gestures, the colors, sounds, smells, and materials that make up the fabric of a place and create its atmosphere. Each participant will eventually choose a place of his or her own and embark on a process of discovery and dialogue with the place. Using earth, stones, branches, pinecones and other natural materials we will create simple, non-permanent sculptural installations which can become humble tokens of our human presence and our care for Mother Earth.

Painfully our Mother Earth has become solidified. It is upon us to transform her — through the power of our hands — into a spirit-filled work of art. Rudolf Steiner

This course is intended for anyone with a love for art, the environment, and environmental education and does not require any previous experience.

Materials fee: $50