Create Land Art

The pollen count may be high, but we have been blessed with some truly gorgeous weather here in Arizona – just in time for Earth Day a few days ago. This week, take an allergy pill if you need one, head outside, and make some Land Art.

The Land Art movement involves creating art in nature, with nature. It encompasses huge, impressive sculptures as well as small, intricate pieces. The best part is, it’s accessible to people of all ages!

First, go into nature and gather your materials – rocks, leaves, blossoms, sticks, pine cones...whatever inspires you. Many Arizona plants are sharp and pokey, so try to go to an area with some variety, and a decent number of non-pokey plants. Earth Day reminds us to both appreciate and protect nature, so try not to disturb the area too much as you work; choose leaves that have already dropped, or branches that are already on the ground. This is a great time to chat with the young people in your family about being kind and respectful to nature. You don’t need to bring much with you, either – perhaps some water to make mud to hold your sculpture together, or a pair of scissors to trim a leaf into a new shape.

Consider what you’ve gathered, arrange and rearrange the elements, and create your piece of art! You can check out landartforkids.com for some idea starters, but don’t feel like you have to copy something someone else made. Whatever pattern, shape, or picture you make is just right for you. And don’t be afraid to get your hands (and maybe your clothes) a little dirty. Messy art is sometimes the most fun kind!

When you’re finished with your piece, go ahead and take a picture of it – but try to resist the urge to take it home with you. Part of the magic of land art is that it doesn’t last forever. Perhaps someone else will happen by and get to appreciate it too. Perhaps you’ll share your pictures with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, so we can enjoy what you’ve made. Either way, create something beautiful, then let nature take its course.