Art From Nature

First off, let's define it:

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in:

• Imperfection

• Impermanence

• Natural aging and wear

It's about the art found in imperfection, dying "things", and the beauty that those bring us from Nature. Everything carries a story.

This is one of mine.

While watching over someone's house in AZ for a short while, I decided to collect natural elements on her property and later incorporated them into a mixed media tile which I gave to her as a thank you gift for giving me a chance to get out of the rainy Oregon winter and enjoy the dry hot climate of Cave Creek. Her love (and mine) of horses was the main impetus. Surrounding this metal horse with craggy tree bark in matching grays, tiny seeds, dropped from a tree in between her main home and the hacienda I was staying in as well as dried leaves that were on the ground, local rocks that were so colorful all added depth! A flat, textured pod and some kind of spiky delight gave this piece a chance to bring to life wabi sabi elements! The best bit of making it feel alive were the trio of green flat pointy leaves and that beige, wrinkly piece of a cactus that were the final touches. Beauty and truth in imperfection.

I'm a big believer in repurposing, recycling to give back to our environment in my own way. From finding old discarded items on our large country property to expertly placing old jewelry from my mom's collection after she transitioned or pieces given to me by friends, I think it's a great way to reinvent them!

"Earthbound in Red"

Broken glass, tools, and beads are just a few of the "artsy" re-purposed pieces that breathe new life into this mixed media work.

Personally, this is one of those important facets of being an artist when paying homage to nature. Whether you use recycled items, use less trees, or whatever your passion in saving our planet, I would love to hear about it!

I repurpose old tools, jewelry, even a rhinestone encrusted steering wheel cover that my husband "inherited" when a company car was given to him! Finding a use for things that many would throw into our garbage pits is one of many ways to save Mother Nature, who gives and gives to us, and FORGIVES us for not being mindful to her many virtues!

This is one where I did just that...Earth's Treasures Above and Below not only has natural finds (thank you, Mom Nature), but some donated jewelry and if you look closely, some of those "re-purposed" steering wheel cover rhinestones!

I had an aha moment quite awhile ago, meaning to do an Instagram reel about how "art" is part of the word "Heart" and that is such an important aspect of what art does for people all across the world. It affects the heart, pulling at it, deep connections made, emotional moments....how do YOU think art affects the heart?

"Golden Hearts" Mixed Media by Richworksart.com

Are you a painter? Sculptor? Mixed media artist? I would love to hear from you about your views on how nature affects your work!

This one is called "Sunlight with a Twist"...and the very word Sunlight gives you a clue as to my muse in titling this one. The flourescent mosaic glass is a nice juxtaposition to the sedate tones of the slate and my really cool craggy find in the top left; a knotted piece of wood found on one of my many Oregon hikes. Housed in a black shadowbox frame, it gives that pop of color a nice backdrop to add to the dimension of the artwork. This one was chosen by a gallery at Cannon Beach OR to be in Shearwater Gallery, along with two other nature-based pieces that are different and yet have the same general nature-based theme.

This community will be, without a doubt, one of the most interesting ones! I can't wait to see all the nature-made art

How does nature inspire you to create a work around her as a muse? This mixed media piece, "Gathered Radiance" has slivered pods from one of my trees beside my folly, which is my artspace, sitting next to Fishhawk Creek, my lovely country property in the coastal range of Oregon. Combined with this pointy "poof" of nature, acting as a sun with the rays created from the pods, small dried seeds, slate and bright colored glass. I also used re-purposed jewelry. (I'm big on that form of re-cycling)! Let's see what you use from real nature-inspired pieces!