The artist Patrick Dougherty does some really amazing work. His installations are evocative of nests and trees, looking more like shelters made by animals or formed by nature rather than by a sculptor. Our favorites are the ones that look like homes - cozy inviting lairs....jump below for a closer look at these magical structures...
Human-Sized Nests
Trailheads, 2005 - Raleigh, NC - Photo by North Carolina Museum of Art
Na Hale 'o waiawi, 2003 - Honolulu, Hawaii - Photo by Paul Kodama
Childhood Dreams, 2007 - Phoenix, Arizona - Photo by Adam Rodriguez
Toad Hall, 2005 - Santa Barbara, CA - Photo by Nell Campbell
Owache, 1999 - Dekalb, Illinois - Photo by Larry Gregory
Paradise Gate, 2001 - Northampton, MA - Photo by Stephen Petegorsky
Around the Corner, 2003 - New Harmony, IN - Photo by Doyle Dean
For more information on Patrick Dougherty and his work: stickwork.net
Top Photo: Close Ties, 2006 - Scottish Highlands - Photo by Fin Macrae
All photos via: stickwork.net
Comments (15)
Daily Email
Top Tours
- Roberta, Francesco & Federico's Italian Modern
- Elizabeth's Vintage Finds Filled Apartment
- Heather's Vintage Granny Chic
- Anne's Rock & Roll Loft
- Emily & Jacob's Poetically Photographed Home
Top Posts
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I saw one of these nests at Brown University during my college reunion and wondered what on earth it was-- it was fascinating walking inside it at night-- and now the mystery has been solved!
view JJJ111's profile
He did one of these in the botanical gardens at Clemson University while I was in college there ... it was one of my favorite places there.
view Barrett's profile
Patrick Dougherty did an installation around the Max Azria boutique on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles. It was supposed to be up until early 08, but it is still up! I think it looks like a giant pterodactyl nest- pretty cool! Info from the opening party: http://www.style.com/peopleparties/parties/scoop/120606BCBG and pictures here: http://thestylophile.blogspot.com/2008/03/patrick-dougherty-at-max-azria.html
:)
view CAjess323's profile
I was a student at Smith when the Paradise Gate was built. Very fascinating to see the layers added daily to create the installation.
view .Jaclyn.'s profile
Those are just amazing!!
They would make for some fun camping or moonlight ta parties.
view polychrome1's profile
This would be a cool DIY! For smaller projects, of course.... I could even see a beehive hairdo done this way.
It must be this heat. 8^p
view btoddster's profile
view orangered's profile
Those are great! What a fun shelter to spend the night on a balmy summer night, or anytime. I love the photographs....is there any way I could get a copy of the first top photograph?
view junklover's profile
I remember seeing one of his early nests in a little gallery in the 80's when he was in art school. The combination of the familiar and the astonishing in his work is unforgettable. The Scottish Highlands are a breathtaking setting and Toad Hall looks like pure magic. What a great career of bringing so much pleasure to the whole world. Yay for Pat!
view Kate (NC)'s profile
Wish I would have known about this guy earlier! I would have gone to see the one in Dekalb! I was there a few times that year and never saw it. :(
view RedMaiko's profile
And I think I recognize the house behind it (its a museum I think).
view RedMaiko's profile
Am i the only one who thinks these are creepy?
view foog's profile
I was also a student at Smith while he was constructing. Everyone was collecting sticks for him - it was amazing!
view kat98's profile
There was an installation of one of these at the Morton Arboretum last year -- don't know if it is still up but thought I would mention since this is the Chicago AT.
view outonalimb_2008's profile
"Am i the only one who thinks these are creepy?"
Nope you're not - but thats why they are so great!
view Violetsrose's profile