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...![]()
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

White Enamel Flatwa...
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!
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.
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
:)
I was a student at Smith when the Paradise Gate was built. Very fascinating to see the layers added daily to create the installation.
Those are just amazing!!
They would make for some fun camping or moonlight ta parties.
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
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?
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!
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. :(
And I think I recognize the house behind it (its a museum I think).
Am i the only one who thinks these are creepy?
I was also a student at Smith while he was constructing. Everyone was collecting sticks for him - it was amazing!
"Am i the only one who thinks these are creepy?"
Nope you're not - but thats why they are so great!