Bob Cook Botanical Art

Sticks and Stones

As a little boy, I would walk along a dirt road and discover an interesting rock, pick it up, admire it and put it in my pocket. Or when playing in the woods I’d snag a pine cone or a snail shell or a stick with an interesting knot. At the end of the day I’d empty my pockets and admire all these little, natural treasures. This work of art is an homage to people who do the same.

I found a few of the items in the woods here and there but other parts were discovered at thrift stores, wholesale suppliers, a gem dealer, a vegetation recycler, and a drained swamp.

The frame used to surround a mirror at a Habitat for Humanity thrift store. The 4′ diameter and architectural foam made it ideal for this installation. I build a sturdy foundation of 2″ pressure-treated lumber and anchored it with Tap cons into the concrete wall. The finished project weighs about 90 pounds.

This sculpture fills a large void on the north side of our home for us to see when coming and going. I hope it will make people stop and wonder. I’ll tie it into the landscape with plants soon.

Finished and hung.
I painted the background the same color as the house.
After removing the mirror I replaced it with outdoor plywood, primed and painted, and arranged the major elements.
Where the amethyst and geode will rest. Routed with a spiral bit.
I painted the bark pieces with matte latex to preserve. It dries clear.
I found these solid brass drawer knobs at a thrift store, 30 for $8.00!
I wanted to make these a golden, mysterious discovery in a grotto. Set in concrete.
I went through about 20# of “pin cushion” preserved moss and 35 hot glue sticks.
I bought this trilobite fossil from a less-than-museum-quality dealer. Said to be 350 million years old from N. Africa.
Amethyst and white geodes.
This gnarly piece of wood is Mopani from S. Africa. Found at Sundance Orchids.
The one on the right is 3′ in diameter.
Right view.
Left view. Apple snail shells from a dry riverbank.