Collaborative Kindergarten Nature Art Study

Observing the work of a few kindergarten nature art sculptors

 The warmer weather, mud, sticks and all of the other parts of nature that we have not thought about lately have seemed to "reappear" and become parts of creative and collaborative nature sculptors on the Redbud playground. On a recent day, as the artists created, one could hear calls to view, "Look, look! Come see what we did!" A crowd gathered as the children explained how they had used found tree stumps, wood cookies and sticks to make the marvelous creation on the landscape wall. As the artists walked back into the classroom after recess, they could be heard talking about the things they could collect the next day to add to their nature creations: rocks, pine cones, and seeds

Found nature objects as part of a sculpture

The next day, the nature artists went back to work and began adding other dimensions to their work, as the sculptures became taller and the balancing of materials was explored.

                   

Honey Locust seed pods and seeds added color and shape to new artwork. The artists asked where we could find other nature materials and they began to unearth small rocks and plans for nature walks beyond the playground emerged. The pine trees across the driveway seemed to call to the children as they thought of using pine cones and pine needles for future art projects.

Contrasting colors, shapes and textures

A few budding nature artists and a collaborative natural materials sculpture on our outdoor playground has created an excitement that is permeating the kindergarten classrooms. To support this exciting new interest, we have begun looking at the art of nature sculptor, Andy Goldsworthy, Through his books and some interesting videos, the students have been introduced to Andy Goldsworthy's creative process and techniques. The children were fascinated to learn that every part of his sculptures are made from natural materials and that sometimes, the artist uses, water, mud, thorns and sometimes spit to hold materials together!

One of nature art sculptor Andy Goldsworthy's books

Creating a face using a "foot slide" through the wood chips

The ever-changing weather has not stopped the creative work of our kindergartners for rainy days have inspired nature creations inside and cold hands have the children using their feet to create with as well.

Feathers, shells and pine cone indoor art creation

Our newest emergent nature art study will offer opportunities for strengthening collaborating skills, looking at materials in new ways, seeing patterns in nature, practicing problem solving and trail and error, as well as cause and effect. Collaborating on natural works of art also provide many ways for kindergartners to practice growth mindset skills such as resilience, perseverance and flexibility.