The best part about using Natural Medium is that there is this never-ending process of learning and figuring out that accompanies its use in ephemeral sculpture. Other than Stone, which does not lack in variation amongst types, almost all other medium is constantly changing due to weather, light, humidity, and all other kinds of factors that are completely out of my control. It can sometimes be difficult to dial in to the right form or use of material when things change so much, but that's really where the beauty of this work lies for me. It's the challenge of figuring these things out, and in turn, finding out more about myself, my own purpose, and how this kind of work can be used for a greater good, that keeps me going. All of my most successful installations started with failure, although I don't think that word best describes the actuality of those moments. Success is easy, it doesn't force you to do anything differently, but when you do not succeed, you are forced to look more deeply at why. So when I have these moments of non-compliance from some leaves or Stones, all I can do is smile, because I know, that moment will someday be an integral part of a greater success. This is easily the most important lesson I have learned from my use of Natural Medium. There is no 'failure', only unrealized success. 

Land Art & Sculpture by David Allen

Natural Medium:

Here at Stone Point Studio I work primarily with Natural Medium. The Earth is the biggest and best canvas available. It is filled with an unending supply of material to choose from for artistic medium. Wherever I look, I see material that can be transformed into something new. What looks like a pile of rubble to most, looks to me, like a beautiful Arch, just waiting to be realized. If it comes from the Earth, I consider it fair game as medium. I do try to stay away from using material that is still alive, such as newly sprouted flowers or trees, but will occasionally do so when there is an overabundance of presence, or if it's an invasive species. It makes much more sense to me, and my process, to use things that have already peaked in their natural existence in Nature.

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