Living sculptures: mind-blowing fusion of art & garden
Written by Brittany Mauriss
"Hybridizer" Marcia Donahue was just your average starving art student when she moved into a decrepit Victorian house in Berkeley, CA. Craft media and ceramics kept her busy in the studio, but something about the old home's backyard kept luring her outside.
"I started learning about plants and light and soil," said Donahue, "and I just got flipped out about it. I started gardening madly." That fever culminated in the integration of found and recycled objects into her garden, including bowling balls, teacups, gravestones - you know, whatever's lying around.
Conceptually, Donahue draws from the psychedelic and absurd. She entertains the fantastical while keeping her art grounded in the earth's roots and natural materials. Her craft intertwines nature, culture, and spirituality in a lush backyard paradise.
And I do mean paradise. Part sanctuary, part Sunday gallery space, Donahue's work shatters our conceptions of home gardening. Tall Italian cypresses spiral skyward while koi fish circle below in a giant handprint pond. And I wasn't kidding; the walkway is paved with actual tombstones, one of which is eerily engraved with the artist's name.
For Donahue, gardening is simply "kinetic sculpture." Just as plant life is always growing and shifting, the sculptures evolve in an interactive space for visitors. If you can make a weekend trip to the South Berkeley garden, pay special attention to the "Bottle Tree" piece. I'm proud to report that my favorite type of booze played a hand in its creation.
Our Own Stuff Gallery by Marcia Donahue is open from 1-5 p.m. Sundays and is located at 3017 Wheeler St., Berkeley, CA.
What others have said
I adore this funky look. It does team well with the older garden, though, I would also suggest it looks good in the contemporary garden if placed strategically and with minimal use of the art.
Brilliant! Some people just have so much creativity. I am envious, as when I see the results, I think, why could I not think of this. I am not creative that is why?
I too view this as brilliant. Working with metal is a wonderful approach to creating not only great garden art, but sculpture for the home!
Beautiful and such a simple method of increasing the joy to your garden. Garden art has become an ever increasing popular approach to living outdoors.
I am a huge fan of outsider art, and am always encouraged to see artisans and crafts people taking the time to brighten up their environment.
How much will Remodeling cost you?
What type of remodeling job are you interested in?
BEST OF REMODELING BLOG
Odd but true remodels
Craft art, or craft media using various products is always such fun and yes it looks great in and around the Victorian garden.