What is site-specific art?

Each artist selects a site from various landscapes and habitats throughout the Garden. Once a site is selected, most artists design a work based on her/his impression of the site. Occasionally, an artist finds a site that lends itself to a preexisting design they have had for which they have never found an appropriate site. In both cases, the installation is generated as a result of the relationship between the site and the artistÕs vision. Therefore, the design is intended specifically for the selected site. As such, the installation is typically referred to as site-specific sculpture. Site-specific distinguishes this type of creative endeavor from the more typical sculptural works that are designed with no specific spatial context in mind, created in the studio and placed in either an indoor or outdoor location. Such works can be sold and relocated. Site-specific works must remain on the original site.

What is nature-based art?

Nature-based denotes that the sculptures are created from natural materials. Some artists choose to only work with materials collected from or near the site. Some artists prefer to work with material that are indigenous to the region. Others elect to use any natural materials. And, of course, some prefer to blend these elements.

What is ephemeral art?

Ephemeral means short-lived or fleeting. Consequently, ephemeral art is not permanent and suggests that its existence is dependent on the effects of time. Typically, ephemeral art works are constructed for the hours, days or weeks of a particular art show. Longer-lived ephemeral sculptures may include documenting the degradation over time from the effects of weather and other physical impacts. In all ephemeral circumstances, the degenerative processes witnessed over time are acknowledged.

What is extended-ephemeral art?

Extended-ephemeral is a term adopted specifically to distinguish works that, while impermanent, are intended to have an unusually longer lifespan than traditional nature-based pieces. At the South Carolina Botanical Garden this is accomplished by working with artists who specialize in or who are willing to work with durable materials (e.g. rock, rammed-earth, soil placement, etc.) and/or by incorporating living plant materials (trees, shrubs, vines, etc.) into the design. Also, the GardenÕs horticultural staff assists artists in selecting plant materials that will accomplish the intent. In this context, the extended ephemeral concept allows the sculpture to evolve as the selected plant materials grow and the degradable elements decline. This creates a unique opportunity for the artist to envision not only an original sculptural design but to also envision the eventual outcome based on familiarity of the growth-habit of the selected plant materials. As such, the ephemeral aspects of nature-based works are extended for years or decades by cultivating a Òliving propositionÓ of that which the artist originally intended.

Experiential art

The final defining characteristic of The South Carolina Botanical GardenÕs sculpture program is that it intends to create spaces, as well as objects. Allowing the viewer to experience the sculpture by entering its space allows the viewer to become an integral part of the work. As such, the meaning and/or purpose of each piece is determined by the individuals experience. The term chosen to denote ascribing meaning or purpose through oneÕs experience of an object through intimate connection with its space is ÒexperientialÓ.