Curriculum Corner: 'Colors in Leaves'
Blue Mountain School is a progressive, contemplative school in Floyd where intentional curriculum planning is part of the everyday.
By Lore Deighan, Enrichment Director and Art Teacher
The woods around Blue Mountain School become classrooms for so many subjects, including art, and British artist Andy Goldsworthy has been an inspiration for nature based art at Blue Mountain School for many years.
Exploring color with leaves and flowers, line with sticks and pine needles, shape and form with rocks, and texture with leaves and nuts; there is so much
that you can create using only nature as your material!
At Edward Jones, we deliver candid guidance and personalized investment strategies to help you plan for and realize the possibilities of your future — for you, your family and generations to follow.
Looking at images of Goldsworthy's art, students are in awe. "How did he do that?!" is a common exclamation. Books are laid out on blankets and students are welcome to pour through photographs of Goldsworthy's ephemeral art. Nothing lasts forever in nature.
After looking at images of Goldsworthy's nature art, students are eager to make their own! As kids scatter about collecting sticks, turning up rocks from earth, and finding little forest treasures, special little moments arise:
"Look at this huge grub!", "The colors in this leaf are so beautiful", "I found the coolest rock!". When we take the time to truly be in nature, scouring the forest floor for materials to make art with, so much can be seen and discovered.
Rock stacking is one of Goldworthy's most famous expressions, and watching how engaged students become with the process it is easy to see why. It takes finding just the right rock for that next layer, deep concentration, patience, and balance. It also requires accepting small failures, working through frustration, and trying again; all the while building resilience. The sense of accomplishment and excitement that happens when that last rock is set on top, and the structure stands tall is profound. While some students work individually on their creations, others work cooperatively to create their project.
We offer locally sourced, insect and rot resistant hemlock, and lots of other species for just about any project.
We also can provide firewood, kindling, mulch, sawdust, and shavings.
Inside we produce paneling and flooring in various, often rustic local woods.
Come by or call Stacy
276-692-8754
This year, many students worked together to create a stick spiral. Initially the project was rooted in the visual aspects of creating a spiral, but when the youngest students in our Opal Class came upon this in the woods, they immediately started walking the spiral like a labyrinth. This inspired the older students to participate as well, and suddenly the art project became a playful interactive experience.
Getting students outside to express creativity with their hands in nature continues to be a fun and inspiring process that students eagerly engage in season after season, year after year at Blue Mountain School. If you're unfamiliar with Andy Goldworthy's art it's well worth exploring.
Know a child who belongs here? Blue Mountain School is enrolling for next year — contact@bluemountainschool.net. Blue Mountain School is a progressive, contemplative school in Floyd where intentional curriculum planning is part of the everyday.
