Artist Adam Long creates incredible sculptures using natural objects that explore our relationship with nature. Find more of his work by visiting his website.
“Breeze in the Boughs” preserved natural objects (white oak, pin oak, grapevine tendrils and amethyst), steel and artist created sculpting compound, 20” x 12” x 9”
“Magical.” I often hear that about my unique Forest Figure sculptures. They speak to what it means to be human and connected to the natural world. These sculptures came about when I understood two things about myself—I can’t stop making stuff, and I love natural objects.
“Breeze in the Boughs” (detail)
My mother knew me well when I was a child. She provided me with a box of junk, glue, scissors, crayons and a lot of time by myself to be creative. I filled my room with all kinds of things, but that room was in a new house in a new subdivision.
“Better Things Ahead” preserved natural objects (white oak, pin oak and grapevine tendrils), steel and artist created sculpting compound 14” x 10” x 12”
I was surrounded by small trees and lots of mowed grass. I didn’t realize I loved nature until I was in college and noticed how the trees had grown. As I was pursuing a degree in art education these two passions—art and nature—came together.
“Come What May” preserved natural objects (white oak and Kentucky Coffee tree petioles), steel and artist created sculpting compound, 30” x 30” x 12”
I was working on a small figure sculpture for a class. Having a strong desire to be different than everyone else in the class, I rummaged through my boxes of junk and found pine bark I’d recently collected from my backyard.
“Come What May” (detail)
I covered the figure with it—the piece was amazing! The resultant “tree-man” sculpture stood out in the class. Jaws dropped and I knew I was onto something special.
“In The Green Hills” preserved natural objects (white oak, pin oak, grapevine tendrils, snake sheds and Japanese beetles), steel and artist created sculpting compound, 48” x 30” x 30”
By the standards I follow today, it was incredibly primitive, but I still have the sculpture to remember that initial spark.
“In The Green Hills” (detail)
Following this artistic path, I quickly realized that no other artist was working the way I wanted to work with natural objects. In addition to learning everything I could about drawing, painting, metalsmithing, stone carving and bronze casting, I also had to develop my own processes and skills in order to create my most unique objects.
“Silent Spring” preserved natural objects (white oak, Kentucky Coffee tree petioles, gourd vine tendrils and feathers), steel and artist created sculpting compound, 12” x 6” x 6”
Now, decades later, I am still developing new ways of working and creating with the natural objects I gather. I’ve learned which plants produce objects that inspire my creativity and when to harvest them. I’ve developed many skills that I think are unique to my studio.
“Tree Climbing” preserved natural objects (white oak), steel and artist created sculpting compound, 25” x 13” x 10”
My Forest Figures are widely collected and have earned many honors for which I am humbled and grateful.
“Tree Climbing” (detail)
I am always looking for ways to introduce stable, natural color into my works, and ways to speak about humankind’s connection to the natural world. I hope that you find wonder, mystery and a bit of magic in my Forest Figures.
Artist Adam Long invites you to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Lovely work. Specially using naturals.