Andy Goldsworthy, Landscape Art, & Forest Bathing

Lesson #4: How can different plant species represent our emotions?

Guiding QuestionHow can different plant species represent our emotions?

Learning Intentions

- I can reflect on my emotions.

- I can try new things, even if they may sound/feel weird.

- I can hone in on my inner creativity.

- I can communicate my findings through words and photographs.

In lesson #3 we were briefly introduced to the concept of land art & and the work of Andy Goldsworthy.

In this lesson we will:1. Further explore land art.2. Continue to explore the motivation and creative process

behind Andy’s work. 3. Learning about forest bathing (it is not as weird as it

sounds).4. Lastly, we will partake in a forest bathing activity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STW0eZDsKVg

Hey you, yes you! You have been tasked with creating a piece of land art. The land art that you are to create may consist of 3 natural/biodegradable objects. These objects are to represent your personality in someway.

Task:

What 3 natural/biodegradable objects would you choose to represent you? ** Check out my example on the next page

My 3 natural/biodegradable objects would be:1. Smooth Beach Rocks2. Cedar Branch3. Spruce Tips

My Examples➔ Smooth Beach Rocks

I stay calm and allow the water to rush over me (like rocks on the beach).

➔ Cedar BowI am flexible & malleable, I bend but don’t often break.

➔ Spruce TipsAlthough you may not think so,I can be zesty, Have you chewed on spruce tips before? They pack a punch!

Now it is your turn! Please complete question #1 on the Lesson #4 worksheet.

A graphic organizer has been created for you to utilize.

You can access the worksheet on the LSS Learning Hub or via Google Docs.** How To: Make Copy/Save as in Google Docs

What you have created is a materials list for a piece of land art.

-Later in this lesson, we will further explore the connection between

ourselves and land art. We will also look at how to use our materials to

create a piece of art.

So Who Is Andy Goldsworthy?

Andy Goldsworthy is a British artist known for his site-specific installations involving natural materials and the passage of time.

Working as both sculptor and photographer, Goldsworthy crafts his installations out of rocks, ice, leaves, or branches, cognizant that the landscape will change, then carefully documents the ephemeral collaborations with nature through photography.

“It's not about art,” he has explained. “It's just about life and the need to understand that a lot of things in life do not last.”

Examples of Andy Goldsworthy Land Art

Please read these two articles about Andy

Goldsworthy’s land art.

Article #1: He’s Got the Whole World In His HandsArticle#2: Branching Out

Please watch these two videos

Please complete question #2 in the worksheet.

Next Up….. We Explore Forest Bathing

+BathingForest

=Forest Bathing

What Is Forest Bathing?

- A practice that combines a range of exercises and tasks in an outdoor environment.

- A Japanese practice of taking contemplative walks in woodland

- In Japan, it is known as shinrin-yoku,

PS: A little about Japan, if you are curious

- Forest bathing is an opportunity for people to take time out, slow down and connect with nature.

- The activity was devised 40 years ago as part of a Japanese government initiative to improve the wellbeing of stressed salarymen.

Please check out these videos, articles & podcasts to expand our understanding of forest bathing: Article #1: What is Forest BathingArticle #2: Getting back to nature: how forest bathing can make us feel better

Podcast: NPR, Health News: Forest Bathing

Video #1: Why You Should Try the Japanese Art of Forest Bathing Video #2: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing with Dr Qing Li

Once you have watched/read/listening to the above materials, please complete question #3 (Forest Bathing Reflection .

Why Are We Learning About Forest Bathing?There are a number of different reasons why forest bathing practices could support our pursuit of constructing and learning about land art.

- Forest bathing is a practice that can support our health and well being.

- In addition to the proven health benefits, forest bathing practices can be utilized when we create pieces of land art

- By being present and calm in nature will allow us to connect deeply with our land art creations

- The big takeaway, is that the forest offers us many learning opportunities. We as humans just have to be open to lessons that the forest offers.

Forest Bathing & a St'at'imc Story

There are some similarities between the Japanese tradition of forest bathing and a local St'at'imc story.

You can read more about St'at'imc story in the next slide.

There used to be a coming of age ceremony where a adolescent would be sent into the forest, guided by his father, with only the clothes on his back and a small skinning knife.For all the boy knew he was left by himself, when really his father watched while hiding.

The boy was to survive on his own for a few days, sometimes a week, with no one to aid him.

During this time he learned independence, he learned to be self reliant, and self sufficient. But he also learned respect for the teaching he had already gathered, and a deeper respect for those that taught him.

In this time the boy would become a man. He would reflect on his teachings, surroundings, training, immersing himself in nature and learning to be at peace.In this way he was centered with all that he need and would be.

Only after his time was done would the father seem to arrive back from where they called home, in reality the father just stopped hiding.

In these ways it is kind of like a long term, deep Forest Bath.

Story shared by Kwimtsxn John

Unit Timeline: Our Journey

Unit Timeline

Lesson #1

We explored perspectives

that look at why humans

create art

Lesson #4We dove deep into land art,

the works of Andy

Goldsworthy, & forest

bathing.

Lesson #3

We explored perishable/

impermanent art.

Task #1Nature &

emotions

scavenger hunt

Lesson #2We explored and the

relationship between art and

value . We also had a look at self

destructing art.

Task #2Create, document,

and reflect on your

land artwork creation.

Connect with Mr. Wildeman

Learning Intentions (Redux)

- I can reflect on my emotions.

- I can try new things, even if they may sound/feel weird.

- I can hone in on my inner creativity.

- I can communicate my findings through words and photographs.

Lesson #4: Final Steps1) Please complete any the remaining portion of the worksheet.2) Please email/share your Lesson #4: How can different plant species

represent our emotions? Worksheet with Mr. Wildeman (teacherwildeman@gmail.com) & Ms. Jezovit (hjezovit@sd74.bc.ca )

3) Once we receive your worksheet, we will connect with you via phone, email and/or zoom to discuss your work.

4) We can discuss the next steps (scavenger hunt & land art creation).

ありがとうございました** That says ‘thank you’ in Japanese.