It is an art movement that emerged in the 1960s where landscape and art are linked closely. Its sculptural works are created outdoors using natural materials – rocks (boulders to stones), wood (logs, branches and twigs), leaves, mud, clay, soil and even droppings. Very often the materials are obtained directly from the environment in which the works are placed. Sometimes components are selected that would be found in the surroundings in a particular season like snow or ice. Introduced items may also be incorporated such as metal, concrete, glass and mineral pigments.

Land artists can create their installations anywhere – on a beach, in a field or forest, area of waste ground, in a desert or stream. The artist uses characteristics that can be appreciated visually i.e. what is seen, for effect – the colour, form and texture of components there: moss, rock crevices, the way light falls or patterns made. Exponents of this art form get ‘up close and personal’ with their medium – indeed it is thought that land artists are true ‘poets of nature’.

Creations can be of any size and are usually captured by photographs as many last for only a short time. Some works change becoming modified by the elements (wind, sun and water) or animal attack, which makes them even more interesting.

Examples of contemporary land artists are: Andy Goldsworthy, David Nash, Alan Sonfist, Peter Hutchinson, Nancy Holt and Alice Aycock. Shapes of works commonly seen are spheres, spirals, rings, arches, lines (often undulating) cairns and piles as well as hanging forms. These types of sculpture can be created by floral artists too such as the works seen in the recent Land Art Trail at Savill Gardens. (Dr. Christina D. Curtis)

Click here for a short video of land art.