Garden Office Blog

Sculpting Nature - Artwork Mapped Out by Natural Forms

By Francesca McGlone on 5th November, 2010

The most eye-catching artworks and ornaments are usually ones that share similarities with natural forms. Their shapes and colours may be exaggerated but their fluid lines and organic charm become their defining strengths.

It seems logical that art sculptures often take inspiration from nature, as nature is characteristically sculptural and alive with an assortment of shapes and textures that continually change and develop to offer something new.

Bonnie Ferrill Roman, an American artist uses the direct materials of nature as a guide when creating. Natural forms become her muse, as she directs the contours of twigs, joined together in points and veiled in her own handmade paper which acts as a tissue covering that mimics the skin of leaves and petals. The underlying impression of a river-like pattern of converging and diverging lines mimic veins that can clearly be seen within leaves and as a blood system that almost gives the impression of life.

A work called Synapse sees twisting shapes mounted on to a wall space, as a trellis of artistry that demonstrates nature’s freehand doodling that meanders and grows without limit. Roman’s works usually incorporate a form of illumination. In this sculpture, light is captured inside bud-like beacons of light that draw the eye in, just as colour would draw insects to a flower in a natural environment. Synapse, as the name suggests, also resembles brain connections clusters of light that reflects the formation of an idea.

Another art installation called Aurelia is suspended in the air. Made from found branches, handmade paper, beeswax and cotton; the result mimics a chrysalis that containing sunlight. The converging branches also serve to showcase veins that are visible in the delicate material of a butterfly’s wing.

Another art installation called Emergence is one of the more striking and gothic shapes, with an emphasis on sharp pointed edges that are a direct result of the rigidity of branches. Again a light is at the core of the design, creating a lampshade style piece, where a central paper encased bulb is covered further by a petal like skirt that hangs down around the light, which together mimics a drooping flower head. As its name suggests, Emergence seems to illustrate the blossoming of something new and exciting.

Borrowing organic shapes and introducing them into an interior style acts to breathe life into a space. Welcoming in elements of nature, be it through natural materials, natural print or natural form, will automatically soften an atmosphere. To view and be inspired by Bonnie Ferrill Roman’s art sculptures visit http://www.naturalsculpture.net/


Category:  Architecture and Design

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