*“Let It In, Let It Out” By Gary Haven Smith*

Sculpture in the garden is the magical juxtaposition of an object with plants, alive and fluid, moving with the breeze, changing color with the seasons and growing with time.

I studied Sculpture in college, but once I had my degree, I dove into the world of plants and flowers. It wasn’t until I was introduced to June LaCombe, a sculpture curator, that my involvement in sculpture was reignited. A few years ago, June hired me to help her with her spring and fall public exhibitions which were hosted at her incredible Pownal property, Hawk Ridge Farm. Patrons and garden and art lovers from all over New England attended her shows in May and October. Guests were given a numbered list of sculptures to reference as they walked through her meadows, gardens and woodland paths on a self- guided tour. I can’t remember being an an art show that was more inspiring than June’s.

The artists’ work was varied with mediums including stone, wood, bronze, repurposed metal, polished stainless and powder coated steel. The art was displayed outdoors and was intended to inspire guests to envision the pieces on their own property, on permanent display, year round.

June retired from her public exhibitions last year but still works closely with sculptors- continuing to promote their work through an online gallery and also acting as a liaison between artists and patrons for commissions. June has also organized a handful of studio tours throughout Maine.

The images below are from past exhibitions at Hawk Ridge Farm in Pownal, Maine.

I didn’t notice or fully appreciate stone until I met my partner, Joe Norton (Norton Stoneworks). Joe is a stone artist and craftsman who creates artistic dry-laid stone walls, walkways and steps, public art, monuments and markers. His recent work for the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden illustrates how sculpture can transform a simple woodland path.

In the garden or landscape, stone can be utilitarian- to define an area, to act as a retaining wall, garden enclosure, or to create steps and walkways. Stone can also be used for decorative applications with garden monuments, sculpture or distinctive markers. Either way, natural stone enhances outdoor spaces- it’s no wonder some of the world’s most beautiful gardens include stone.

The images below are examples of some of Norton Stoneworks’ recent work.

To learn more about June or Joe, contact them at the links below:

June LaCombe

Exhibitions, Sales, Commissions

@jlsculpture

Norton Stoneworks

Joe Norton, Level II Dry Stone Waller

@nortonstone

Sculpture for the Garden

My Favorite Imported Winter Flowers

Featured Farm: East of Eden Flower Farm