Creating earth art is a free, fun and family-friendly way of connecting with Papatūānuku/the Earth Mother and nature. It also is a great way to help manage and relieve stress. Jocelyn from Kia Ora Tai Chi teaches free tai chi classes, as well as nature journaling and mindfulness-based art therapy in Cornwall Park. Read on to find out how Jocelyn creates earth art in the park.

Did you know that earth art is sometimes called a nature mandala? It is ‘art that doesn’t last’ because it is made from leaves, petals, twigs and anything natural that has fallen from the trees (not snipped or cut).

How to forage for your earth art items

This is fun and fulfilling treasure hunt whether on your own, with a friend or your whole whānau. Grab a basket or a bag with a wide opening so it’s easy to place inside the items you find. Go for a wander in Cornwall Park, your own backyard or neighbourhood park. Breathe in the air, smell the aroma of the trees, feel the sunshine on your face and just be in the moment. Gather fallen leaves, twigs, and petals of any size, shape or colour. You might spot a feather or two, too. Challenge yourself and others in your group to collect only what has fallen on the ground. Pause now and then to enjoy the feeling of being in te taiao /the natural environment. What you select for your earth art can be by chance (i.e. what you find on a particular day) or deliberately searched for to remember a loved one or a special moment in your life.

How to create your earth art

The most wonderful thing is that there are no rules. The style or the ‘look’ of earth art is entirely up to you – a picture, design, abstract or anything else you like.
Start by clearing a space on the ground or on a table at home as your ‘blank canvas’. Next to this, lay out everything you have found. Now, it’s time to play.

Select the item that most inspires you such as a particular colour or shape, or something that reminds you of a loved one or a favourite place. Place that item anywhere on your ‘blank canvas’. It could be in the centre or off to the side. There is no wrong way to do this. Place another item, whether next to the first one or further away, and then another. Go with the flow, add different colours, explore with shapes and patterns. You can change the position of any item, anytime.

Keep going until you feel it is complete. Step around your creation to view it from a new angle. It’s fascinating how it looks from a different direction.

If you are with a friend or a group, talk about your earth art and what you like about it. If you’re remembering or honouring someone special, and if you feel comfortable to do so, also share that with your group.
When creating on your own, sit by your earth art for a while and let your thoughts linger over what you’ve created and how you felt when foraging and creating. If your art is in remembrance of a loved one, gift it to them in your mind.

Take a photo of your earth art. This can be just for you or you can share it with others, whether online or in person.

When you are ready, walk away. Let it re-wild.

Revisit your earth art in the next day or two to see how it changes. It can be really fulfilling to witness your creation returning to the embrace of Papatūānuku/the Earth Mother.

Our earth art tutor, Jocelyn Watkin of Kia Ora Tai Chi, also teaches free, summer tai chi outdoors in the park. Ideal for beginners of all ages. Find out more in our summer events programme