We all know that when it comes to creativity, it's all about seeing something that no one else has seen yet, like the potential for something ordinary to be transformed into something incredible.
The transformative power of creativity is best seen when an everyday, humble object is turned into an object of beauty. Suddenly, a water-worn stick becomes a beautiful water nymph, and some smooth pebbles become entire landscapes.
And while some artists chose to paint, carve, or otherwise add onto the sticks, rocks, and other found objects to create their pieces, some artists choose to leave them as they are, but arrange them so carefully and cleverly that they become something else entirely.
That's what these sculptures do. Made from everything from branches to twigs, they form the shapes of animals so lifelike that you'd almost expect them to start moving, even though you can see each branch!
These sculptures were created by all different artists, and you'll see that in the different ways the wood is assembled. Some pack the branches together tightly, making a solid form, while others leave some space for an airier look.
Which is your favorite? Let us know, and see if you can spot a face, hoof, or antler in the sticks you see outside!
[H/T: Imgur]
By carefully choosing and arranging the branches, artists can mimic the muscles and bones of animals.
This elk is made of branches, but you can still see how it looks like the muscles in the neck are tensed as it bellows.
The color of the wood makes a difference, too. While the elk was a dark, rich brown, this deer is a softer, lighter, gray-brown.
It also looks like this sculpture might use actual deer antlers.
Sometimes, the wood pieces don't have to fit perfectly together to create a convincing and realistic sculpture.
These horses have lots of holes and hollow places, but it's still easy to imagine them breaking into a trot thanks to the way the shapes of the branches come together.
These horse sculptures by Heather Jansch also have carved feet. One of the greatest challenges of creating a sculpture like this is getting it all to balance on four small points!
And sometimes, like with this one by James Doran Webb, they have to balance on even less!
Depending on the type of wood, different effects can be created. This lion's mane is made up of small, curly pieces that look like rippling fur.
Small details like the nose, teeth, and eyes are carved for more realism.
It's really amazing how much motion and personality can be evoked with nothing but some carefully arranged branches, but the shapes, textures, and knots all come together to create what really looks like a living, breathing horse.
Other artists, like Andries Botha, who created this beachgoing elephant sculpture, like their animals to look a little sturdier.
The short, blunted shapes of the wood pieces and the visible nails make this elephant look a little like an elephant-shaped tank, but definitely don't take away from its personality.
And the motion artists are able to capture is amazing, too. This running bull by James Doran Webb looks like it really is moving, down to the waving of its tail.
And this eagle sculpture by Jeffro Uitto looks like it's been frozen in motion. The white and brown "feathers" were created by using woods of different colors.
Uitto also created this giraffe using nothing but driftwood and salvaged branches that had fallen from trees. It's a great way to both appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and to find unexpected art supplies!
Check out the other work of the artists featured here by clicking the links to their websites, and SHARE these gorgeous sculptures with anyone who loves seeing everyday things in new ways!
