I've always Wanted A Bottle Tree

Bottle trees are a tradition I've always liked, and I've long meant to make one. There's a great site here that explains the history behind them, with a bunch of photos of traditional and newer versions.

Way back on Memorial Day weekend I decided it would be just the thing to add a little color to the yard. Not so much as something I would sell, but more to add color so people would you know, notice, that there was an art studio by the side of the highway. Most of my art is invisible to people driving past at 70 mph because the rust finish just blends into the yard and trees… I like making brightly colored sculptures but the rust finish seems to sell better, so I don't have that much colorful work in the yard these days. Apparently many people prefer sculpture that blends into their garden rather than distracting from the flowers? I would have guessed that people who plant flowers like bright colors, but perhaps I would have been wrong. Actually, I don't get it. If you do, leave me a comment and explain it to me. Seriously.

The bottle tree has been catching people's eye, anyway, and I think more people are stopping since I put it up. I'll probably do a bunch more of them and cover the whole front of the studio lot with them if I can get my hands on some cheap steel this summer (the price of steel has doubled about three times in the last couple years). The one I made below is an inverted radio antenna tower that someone just dropped off recently. I think it came out pretty nice. Click the thumbnails to see larger pics.

         

Tags: folkart, funky, garden, outsider art, recycled, roadside art, sculpture, yard

Comments

[RacheLyra]

Brightly colored vs not? I think it's this: Bright colors are an intimidating and bold choice. If you're spending a bunch of money on something immutable, better get it in colors that are a little safer. If the plants turn out to be too much for your housing compact/neighbors/delicate sensibilities, you can always tear 'em out.

[Mark]

Check these bottle trees out, maybe they will give ya some insight.

[Burrell Gee]

My father in law makes wrought iron bottle trees for indoors and out, check em out!!

http://TheBottleTreeMan.com