Designing With Nature

Out into nature we went, armed with collections of natural objects gathered from our yards and local parks. Inspired by the art of Andy Goldsworthy, a British artist and photographer who uses natural found objects to create sculptures and nature designs right in the outdoor environment where the objects are found. It was a rare chance to return to the wonder of childhood, where each fallen stick is a treasure waiting to be discovered. We placed and designed with enormous leaves, the tiniest of pinecones, dried seed pods and more. We considered how to cultivate this sense of wonder and appreciation for natural objects in our students. In the words of Abraham Joshua Heschel, it was an opportunity to “take notice of the wonder, to regain a sense of the mystery that animates all beings, the divine margin in all attainments.”