For three weeks in May 2009, sculptor Patrick Dougherty and a team of volunteers created this installation at the University of Kansas called The Bedazzler. Commissioned by the university’s Spencer Museum of Art, this large-scale sculpture is made of 6,000 pounds of saplings, all of which were harvested for the project from sustainable populations near Lawrence, Kansas.
According to an article from the Topeka Capital-Journal, the elm tree at the center of the sculpture is dying, which is part of the reason Dougherty chose it to be the centerpiece of the sculpture, saying that the sculpture “gave this tree new life.”
Like many of Dougherty’s sapling sculptures, it will remain intact for about two years before it is removed and recycled. The Bedazzler can be found on the University of Kansas campus at the corner of Jayhawk Blvd. and 14th Street.
I was a little disappointed it was so foggy the day we visited Lawrence, but I actually think the fog adds to the sculpture’s mystery. I first saw it from across the street and immediately wanted to get a closer look.
To see photos from other travellers, visit Photo Friday at the family travel blog Delicious Baby.
What do you think of The Bedazzler? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I'm definitely dazzled by this amazing tree-sculpture. It's sad that the tree at the centre of the sculpture is dying but it is having one great going-way party.
This looks like a pretty fascinating use of a dying tree…far more interesting than the cut-off stump that would be there if they cut the tree down right away.I agree that the fog adds an interesting dimension to these photos. The sculpture looks like a spooky little witches house-I think it would be a cool stop on a Halloween circuit
That is SO cool! I'm sure blue skies behind it would make for a beautiful composition, but I agree that the fog adds some mystery. It's very intriguing. Thanks for sharing!
VERY, very cool!!
Glad everyone liked it! To be honest, I was worried the pictures didn't do it justice. You can see the artist's other works here: http://www.stickwork.net/
Wow … yes, Sarah, the "Catawampus" willow structure at The Arboretum in Los Angeles was also created by Patrick Dougherty! Isn't it just cool?!
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