Today’s activity is to make some beautiful ephemeral art. What is ephemeral art? The term is usually used to describe a work of art that only occurs once, like a happening, and is often applied to art made with natural materials, like the work of Andy Goldsworthy (a contemporary artist, sculptor and photographer who creates temporary works using found objects from nature). Similarly, some Mandala making in Hinduism, Buddhism and Navajo cultures could be called ephemeral art, and is often a meditative practice, both in the creation process and in the impermanence of the final creation.
You don’t need to bring anything with you for this activity—just use what you find in the forest/park/backyard. You could plan your design ahead of time, or you could let the design find you while you’re creating.
Some ideas for designs:
*Make a mandala-inspired design with natural materials and take a picture to share with the rest of your family.
*Make the frame of a shape with sticks and then fill in the shape with leaves, mud, pine needles, or whatever else you find- even found trash (then bring the trash home and put it in the garbage)!
*Make your creation a nature labyrinth then walk your labyrinth quietly, all the way in and all the way out.
WAYS TO EXTEND THE ACTIVITY
*After you’ve created your ephemeral art outdoors, head home and look up Mandalas from around the world, as well as pictures of Andy Goldsworthy’s art installations and other nature-inspired ephemeral artists.
*Make an indoor ephemeral art creation with toys.
*Depending on age, your child could research and explore the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of mandalas/impermanent art in various cultures around the world. Why would people make art that disappears over a short period time?
*Look up “spring ephemerals”. Are there any spring ephemeral plants growing near your house? Why are they called spring ephemerals?