Patrick Dougherty's Incredible Nest Houses

Photo:
Childhood Dreams
Image: Adam Rodriguez

If hobbits didn't live under hills, they might like this homey structure that seems to fit right into its surroundings. It calls forth visions of a simpler world in keeping with nature and is one of sculptor Patrick Dougherty's 150 amazing twig art installations that have sprung up all around the world to the wonderment of passersby since 1982.

Says curator Linda Johnson:

"Dougherty's works allude to nests, cocoons, hives, and lairs built by animals, as well as the manmade forms of huts, haystacks, and baskets, created by interweaving branches and twigs together. Many of his works look 'found' rather than made, as if they were created by the natural force of a tornado sweeping across the landscape. He intentionally tries for this effortless effect, as if his creations just fell or grew up naturally in their settings."

Be prepared to transport yourself to another world.

Na Hale 'o waiawi (translated from Hawaiian to more or less mean 'wild dwellings built from strawberry guava'
Photo:
Image: Paul Kodama

This one looks like an elven dwelling nestled in a protective mountain range:

Toad Hall
Photo:
Image: Nell Campbell

With the pull of a twig or the whisper of a magical phrase, these 'buildings' might lead you into another realm:

Around the Corner
Photo:
Image: Doyle Dean

Spinoffs
Photo:
Image: George Vasquez

Call of the Wild
Photo:
Image: Duncan Price

And these look like comfy places to rest your head after a long day's hike:

Close Ties
Photo:
Image: Fin Macrae

Trailheads
Photo:
Image: North Carolina Museum of Art

Check out Patrick Dougherty's site at stickwork.net to see more images of his amazing work. Unless otherwise noted, all images are via Dougherty's web site.

Sources: 1, 2

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