Finding art in a garden can become a magical treasure hunt; you end up looking for more surprises. Some gardens have truly surprised me. And it got me thinking that I should keep an eye out for my own little treasures. I had a look around at my local garden shop, and was a little stumped to see the price tags on some of the gems. So I started thinking about ways to make my own. There's no doubt that I may just splurge on one or two really desirable pieces, but most of what I want is completely DIY-able.
A painted wire bunny that I spotted at a winefarm was quite a treat to find. I imagined making giant bunnies with chicken wire and having them sit majestically on the top of a slope in the garden, just waiting for company. Better still, I could grow something fragrant in and over it, like an Alice in Wonderland topiary.
I've actually seen these gorgeous angels being made at one of Cape Town's best garden centres, and was facsinated by the speed at which they are produced! Mine may never look as pristine, but that is how I'd want it. I like statues that look as old as time...newness is after all an illusion. Again I could use chicken wire and cement to create such bohemian masterpieces. I've been wanting to try this for a time now, and there's always some excuse. Right now, it's the weather. I will need a good, long, hot, dry spell...I know, I shouldn't wish for things like that!!
But perhaps I could start practicing on smaller sculptures and dry them near the fire, instead.
Woodwork requires some extra skill, and a steady hand with a drill. But woodwork has such warmth to it, that I love to see dramatic artwork in this medium all over my home and garden. Unless it is protected against weathering, you may end up with very rustic looking art, which of course, doesn't bother me a bit.
I'm also keen to see what I can conjure up with found wood from the forest in the back. There are always interesting shapes that are too dear to be used as firewood.
And of course, I have been dreaming of an organic bug hotel: bits of tree, bark and branches, tied together with some of the creepers around the garden, and decorated with some or other piece of interest that we're bound to come across...not a snake!
And I've completely forgotten to mention rock piles as sculptures...most organic stone sculpture, ever! If you happen to dig up some rather large rocks in your garden, why not set them together artistically as some form of abstract organic art...or you could just call it a rock pile!
Art in my garden should be made by those who sit in it, in my opinion, and as my preference. I am plotting and planning a few items to add to the garden as decoration and perhaps even a statement?! But mostly art in my garden will be for fun. What I do want is to create different spaces with differing sentiments. It will certainly take a bit of thought, but I don't want it to be too much pressure. I can, after all, change it whenever I like. So, with that in mind, I'm going to have some fun!
