Wild Art on Wimbledon Common – Day 1

On a perfect Autumn day our group met on Wimbledon Common for 2 days of art making using natural materials found in the woodland.

We discussed the Samhuin idea of souls trapped inside animals and how we could release them by making an image.

During a short exploration of our surroundings we foraged for basic materials, learnt some basic knots, lashings and skills to manipulate twigs.

In groups we quickly made some animal shapes.

Can you spot the animal?

Artist Philippa Snell demonstrated more key skills and then we made some drawings using charcoal on paper.

We then got to work translating our ideas into wood.

We used flexible Hazel and Rowan to make curved shapes

…and lashed together straight sticks of different lengths to make squares and triangles. Gradually our animals took shape

We were taught how to use tools safely

We also learnt to make a simple lantern, weaving leaves into a woollen mesh.

When our animals were complete we began to hang them in the air and watched the afternoon sun stream through.

Some of us started to imagine a larger environment for our pieces.

By the end of the afternoon we all had animals gently swinging in the breeze. We discussed again the idea of Samhuin, Halloween or All Souls night being the time of year when the veil between this world and another world  is at its thinnest – and the souls of our animals were released into the forest!

A giant washing line hoisted them up to the treetops. It was a spectacular moment!

We loved this bee crawling through the leaves

Tomorrow we will learn other skills to transform our base into a magical art installation for our parents to enjoy.

Click here to see day 2