A Natural State explores how people express a love for nature by shaping, twisting, carving, and weaving materials collected from the landscape. Some of the arts and crafts featured in A Natural State reveal the cultural heritage of South Carolina, while others employ concepts from the world of modern art. For more about this project, visit the credits page.
TO GET STARTED: Click on a landform region below to learn more about these artists and how they use the uniqueness of their environment to enhance their artistic vision. To learn more about each landform region, visit the Where Am I? section.
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During our visit, Nils-Udo and a team of students and volunteers made final touches to the massive nest constructed of natural materials. Donned in parkas and muddy boots, the crew finished weaving...
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The circle is an enduring symbol for the cyclic nature of the universe. It evokes ideas of continuity, change and renewal, and is commonly identified as a symbol for infinity. Rust chose the circle...
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Starting. In the first step of the broom making process, Peter prepares the base of the wood handle for weaving. The first layer of broomcorn is attached by wrapping the material with strong cord.
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Tom uses keen eyes and a drawknife to carve the slope of a duck's back from the natural curve along a block of white cedar. The basic forms of a tail and the base of the neck are revealed during body...
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The potter’s art is a thing of beauty and, seeming, magic. The process looks so easy, but in actuality, years of experience are required in order to work the wheel and apply the right combinations of...
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The stone outcrop at the Hagood Mill Historical site contains prehistoric rock art as well as a few not-so rare messages likely carved in the 19th or 20th centuries. Archaeologist Tommy Charles...
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Piccolo Labyrinth required two weeks of construction under a hot sun and the constant gaze of curious onlookers. Parker and his team of volunteers and students cut thousands of turf squares, stacking...
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Arianne uses the batik process of fabric design, a traditional art she mastered while living with the Yoruba culture of Nigeria. Batik uses wax and layers of color to create vibrant images on textiles...
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Sanctuary was an installation prepared for the Sumter Gallery of Art's "South Carolina Birds: A Fine Arts Exhibition" show in 2004. Janet began a weeklong process of constructing and arranging...
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The sculptures of Art in the Park ranged from the whimsical to the sublime. Nearly all sculptures involved pine needles, one of the most abundant materials on the landscape. Constructions included a...
