🌿 Create with Consciousness and Soul
Nature is God's art (Dante Alighieri). Is there a better way to connect two concepts as sublime as art and nature?
It matters little whether you are religious, agnostic or atheist. It is about understanding that only a higher power, whether you call it God or the Universe, is capable of producing a work as perfect as nature.
It is therefore nothing new or fashionable for man to find in the natural environment a perfect source of inspiration to express himself and give the world art in its purest form. Some pay tribute to it through careful observation of what nature itself may be trying to communicate to us.
When this happens, it is almost impossible to determine where the artist's work ends and when it is the natural elements themselves that speak to us directly.
The role of nature in art throughout history
The relationship between art and nature is like a beautiful love story: once they met, they were destined to walk hand in hand. This pairing has also shaped artistic practices and art theories throughout history. Even in the Upper Palaeolithic period, humans not only represented nature, but also imbued it with symbolism and fantasy.
Imagine how fascinating it would be to delve into the mind of an artist from more than 40,000 years ago, capturing their vision of the natural world, with caves as their canvas. From a classical point of view, in ancient Greece, art sought to imitate nature as the most perfect creation. Meanwhile, in Romanticism, it was exalted for its sublime aspect. In Impressionism, the emphasis was on its more ephemeral side and light.
However, humanity, in its unconsciousness, has abused its best ally and provider, exploiting its resources to the point of devastation. The reason? To satisfy the demands of an increasingly consumerist life with a short expiry date. This has led to the emergence of collective movements that pursue a respectful approach to the natural environment, including the artistic sphere.
Thus, a vision emerges that favours understanding and direct interaction with nature, in a dialogue between equals. In the 1970s, nature went from being merely content to becoming the field of action itself. Today, many contemporary artists resort to protest to denounce irresponsible human intervention in nature.
Others, like myself, choose to tell the stories that the natural elements themselves, from olive tree trunks, junipers and any other unique pieces of wood that come to me, reveal their secrets in the form of sculptures and works full of life.
Examples of art featuring the five natural elements
In line with the Five Elements theory of traditional Chinese philosophy (which I discussed in this post on Feng Shui), I would like to show you some simple examples of art inspired by this classification of the constitution of all things.
- Wood: Modelling without limits; The most noble material of all. There is nothing like letting yourself be guided by its natural forms and learning to listen to it to discover the story and the face it wants to show us.
Wood carving is one of the most widespread practices since ancient times throughout the world. There are no limits to representing concrete or abstract objects on it. Wood sculptures express both the artist's emotions and the wisdom and experiences safeguarded by the material itself.
Recently, for example, I have discovered the pleasure of working with epoxy resin in symbiosis with wood, becoming a witness to creations full of magic.
- Fire: Creating with an iron hand; One option is to play and create works of art with iron, steel or any metal that can be moulded by heat. In other words, the spirit of fire. When we talk about sculptures or art in iron or metal today, it is often associated with modernity. However, its presence dates back to very ancient times, ranging from jewellery and various ornamental objects to architectural elements.
When metal is combined with other materials such as wood, works of great character and harmony are created. Personally, I am devoted to this glorious combination.
- Water: An eternal source of inspiration; The symbolic power of this element, the source of life, makes it an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Artists and designers draw on its abundance of beauty and vital force. Although fountains are the most typical artistic representation of this element, through the most incredible and original forms, they are not the only ones.
- Water can also be reflected in paintings, taking on the role of protagonist. And in sculpture, it is possible to emulate its undulating form and movement in static materials that defy the senses.
- Earth: Land Art or the Art of the Earth; In the 1960s and 1970s, an artistic style emerged that was christened Land Art. Like its name, direct and unadorned, this conceptual art movement returns to its origins. Using nature itself as material (wood, earth, stones, branches, water, wind, etc.), the work is generated in the space in which it is intervened, giving rise to an interesting fusion between sculpture and architecture of the landscape.
Many of the works remain outdoors, at the mercy of changes and erosion caused by the environment. Although this circumstance may lead to their disappearance, a documented record of the work remains, as well as the experience of the artist and viewers.
- Air: Breathing art in freedom; The luxury of exhibiting or enjoying art in the open air is not exclusive to Land Art. Any artistic expression (sculpture, painting, photography, dance, theatre, etc.) that chooses to display its message and essence in the open air inevitably infects us with a rebellious spirit that refuses to be confined by rigid structures.
Works and exhibitions in forests, parks or in the middle of the city make us participants by being integrated into our environment and not confined within four walls. In short, art becomes more universal.
Are you drawn to art that features nature as its protagonist?
I would love to read your comments and find out if you are also passionate about creating or enjoying art that has nature as its favourite muse. I, for one, declare my unconditional love for it.
If you are interested in learning how I create art with exclusive, unique pieces of wood, iron, and other natural elements, I would be delighted to talk to you.
Thank you for reading,
With love;
Liliana Castillo.
