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Art That Grows From the Earth (9 Photos)
Content warning: Which one is your favorite?
From quiet forest goddesses to surreal illusions that blend wood, stone, and trees—these 9 outdoor sculptures don’t just sit in nature, they become part of it. In this collection, you’ll discover sculptures in Illinois and Switzerland, on Belgian lawns and British gardens. Some hold trees gently in their palms, others appear to rest beneath layers of snow. All of them invite us to see the land as canvas, collaborator, and living presence.
More: 8 Inspiring Sculptures Seamlessly Integrated with Nature
1. Hallow — Daniel Popper’s Sculpture in Lisle, Illinois, USA
A monumental female figure made of wood-like textures stands with closed eyes and hands gently parting her chest. The sculptural body is open at the center, allowing viewers to walk through her, as though being embraced by nature itself. Springtime trees and blooming pink flowers surround her.
More: 5 Photos of Sculpture “Hallow” By Daniel Popper in Lisle, Illinois
2. Mud Maid — Sculpture by Sue Hill in Cornwall, UK
This moss-covered figure of a woman rests on the forest floor at The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Her face is sculpted from clay and softened by time, while her hair and body are formed from earth and living plants, changing with the seasons—from green to snow-covered.
More: Mud Maid – Living sculpture by Sue and Pete Hill (5 photos and video)
3. Give — Lorenzo Quinn’s Sculpture Holding a Tree
Two white sculpted hands emerge from the grass, gently cupping a living tree. The hands appear soft despite their size, turning the act of holding into a symbol of care and responsibility.
4. Clothespin — Mehmet Ali Uysal’s Sculpture in Chaudfontaine, Belgium
A giant wooden clothespin appears to pinch and pull the ground itself. Cleverly designed and installed in a grassy field, the sculpture creates the illusion that the land is a soft fabric being gathered and held.
🔗 Follow Mehmet Ali Uysal on Instagram
5. Caring Hand — Eva Oertli & Beat Huber in Glarus, Switzerland
This large white hand sculpture gently cradles a tree in the middle of a lush green park. With careful shaping and scale, the sculpture blends seamlessly into its surroundings, turning a simple tree into the heart of a nurturing gesture.
More: The Caring Hand – Sculpture in Glarus, Switzerland by Eva Oertli and Beat Huber
6. I’m Home!
This painted face, embedded directly onto the exposed heart of a tree, transforms bark into canvas. The artwork is visible only within a natural wound in the trunk, where the human face seems both protected and revealed by the tree itself.
7. UMI — Daniel Popper’s Sculpture in Chicago, Illinois, USA
A towering woman, constructed with intertwined “roots” and gentle hands, emerges from the ground. Her chest and hair are woven with wooden tendrils, making her appear as if she’s grown from the soil beneath her.
More: “UMI” Sculpture by Daniel Popper in Lisle, Illinois
8. Flower Tube
A sculpture of a paint tube lies on the grass, appearing to squeeze out a trail of vivid orange marigolds.
9. Musco — Minwear Woods, Wales
In the heart of Minwear Woods, leaves, moss, and soil become canvases for land artist Jon Foreman. More!: 10 Forest Sculptures By Jon Foreman
🔗 Follow Jon Foreman on Instagram
More: When Street Art Meets Nature (40 Photos)
Which one is your favorite?
Buildings That Look Like They’re From a Dream (8 Photos)
From a church in Iceland that looks like a spaceship preparing for launch, to a house zipped open on a street in Milan — this collection showcases architecture at its most imaginative. Included are cliffside wartime refuges, storybook cottages, optical illusions, and centuries-old constructions that defy gravity or blend perfectly into mountains. These aren’t digital renderings — they’re real places from around the world.
More: 8 Beautiful Artworks That Seem to Grow From Nature
1. Unzipped Building — Alex Chinneck in Milan, Italy
A building facade appears to peel open like a jacket, with an oversized zipper curling away the wall to reveal its inner structure. This public installation by Alex Chinneck uses stone, concrete, and illusion to challenge how we perceive architecture.
2. King Alfred’s Tower — England
This red-brick triangular tower rises dramatically from the fog in Somerset, England. Built in 1772, it commemorates Alfred the Great and reaches over 49 meters high with a narrow footprint that adds to its illusion of impossibility.
3. Alpine Refuge — Monte Cristallo, Italy
Located at 2,760 meters in the Dolomites, this hidden wooden shelter from World War I is embedded directly into the rockface. Built for survival, it now appears like a dreamlike relic barely distinguishable from the mountain.
4. Hallgrímskirkja Church — Reykjavík, Iceland
This iconic Lutheran church, inspired by basalt columns and volcanic formations, dominates the Reykjavík skyline. Designed in 1937 and completed in 1986, its symmetry and scale evoke science fiction architecture.
5. The House That Sank — The Crooked House, UK
Built in 1765 on top of a mine shaft, this British pub developed a pronounced tilt as the ground beneath it slowly gave way. Despite its slanting angles, it remained a local favorite for centuries.
6. Organic Slate Roof House — Germany
This home with flowing lines and a wave-shaped slate roof blurs the line between fairy tale and high-end eco-architecture. Natural stone and soft curves give it a whimsical yet grounded appearance.
7. Cliff House — France (Built 1347)
Balanced between eras and gravity, this timber-framed upper house sits atop massive medieval stonework. Located in France and completed in 1347, it seems to hover above the road with support beams stretching underneath.
8. Rock-Built Homes — Sanaa, Yemen
Traditional Yemeni tower houses in Sanaa rise directly from the rock, combining ancient stone masonry with ornate white geometric window frames. The buildings appear both sculpted by nature and intricately human-made.These buildings bend our expectations of what architecture can be — not just structures, but expressions of ingenuity, adaptation, and creativity. Whether carved into mountains or dressed like zippers, they show that the line between surreal and real is thinner than it seems.
More: 30 Sculptures You (probably) Didn’t Know Existed
Which one is your favorite?
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10 Giant Trolls Hiding in Forests, Lakes and Ruins
Content warning: Towering from forests, peeking out of lakes, or lounging beneath the stars — Thomas Dambo’s trolls have become some of the most beloved public sculptures on Earth. Built entirely from recycled wood and often hidden in remote landscapes, these sculptures i
Towering from forests, peeking out of lakes, or lounging beneath the stars — Thomas Dambo’s trolls have become some of the most beloved public sculptures on Earth. Built entirely from recycled wood and often hidden in remote landscapes, these sculptures invite both wonder and adventure. From Jutland’s woodland giants to a lakeside troll in Minnesota measuring 13 meters high, here are 10 of the most enchanting trolls you can find around the world.
🔗 Follow Thomas Dambo on Instagram
1. Troll Hannes — De Schorre, Boom, Belgium
Built into the corner of a crumbling brick structure, this giant troll appears mid-rest, its wooden limbs draped over the edge of the building. With a shaggy beard and deep-set eyes, it blends into the surrounding forest, as if emerging from the ruins.
2. Santi Ikto — Mandurah, Western Australia
Captured with the Milky Way blazing above, this wooden troll sits cross-legged in the sand, arms outstretched in awe. The moment merges sculpture with sky, turning the nocturnal landscape into a scene of cosmic wonder.
3. Helle Haltben — Jutland, Denmark
This wide-eyed troll crawls through a forest clearing, its playful grin and giant hands inviting visitors to come closer. With wooden braids and a necklace made from natural materials, it radiates childlike energy.
4. Jeppe Væktæppe — Jutland, Denmark
Hidden deep among trees, this troll grips a tree trunk with one hand, mid-lunge as if about to leap out from the undergrowth. Its spiky wooden hair and sharp expression give it a mischievous charm.
5. Little Nis — Bernheim Forest, Kentucky, USA
Leaning down to touch the water’s surface, this snowy scene captures a moment of peaceful stillness. The troll appears curious and gentle, with frost lightly dusting its wooden frame and the surrounding trees.
6. Lotte Lokkeklokke — Jutland, Denmark
Sitting comfortably with a massive bell at her side, this troll looks like a guardian of the forest. Shingled wood scales and long arms give her a sturdy, watchful presence.
7. Mama Mimi — Wilson, Wyoming, USA
Stretching out across a pond, this troll doubles as a bridge — with children walking across her wooden limbs. With a thoughtful expression, she rests her chin on one hand while gazing at the water.
8. Long Leif — Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, USA
Standing at 13 meters tall, Long Leif is the tallest troll ever made by Dambo. Towering above a child in red, this friendly giant smiles down with big ears and playful teeth, embodying both strength and joy.
9. Stifinder Stig — Jutland, Denmark
Crouched beneath a colorful patchwork tent held up by his outstretched arms, this troll looks like he’s inviting visitors into a secret hideaway. Bright fabrics and playful pose make it one of the most interactive trolls.
10. Mama Rosa — Wauwatosa, USA
Standing on a sandy hill at dusk, this troll gently holds a bundle of glowing streetlamps. Her soft expression and warm light give her a welcoming presence as she watches over the landscape near the woods.
🌍 Want to find a troll near you? Explore them all on the official Troll Map.
Which one is your favorite?
When Street Art Meets Nature (40 Photos)
When street art meets nature, the results are stunning. Some artists blend their murals seamlessly with the landscape, while others use real plants to bring their work to life.
In Ecuador, El Decertor painted a mural that merges with the natural surroundings. In Martinique, Nuxuno Xän turned a tree trunk into part of a painted figure. In New York, OGMillie created a floral mural that brightens the urban space. In Brazil, Fábio Gomes Trindade’s portraits use real bougainvillea as hair, while in Poland, Natalia Rak painted a girl appearing to water a living tree.These works show how street art and nature can come together in unexpected and beautiful ways.
More: 18 Stunning Land Art Creations by Jon Foreman: Nature’s Beauty in Stone Patterns
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By El Decertor – In Imbabura, Ecuador (2 photos)2
Flower Power by Fábio Gomes Trindade in Goiás, Brasil (3 artworks)Raising Awareness: Street Art as a Conservation Tool
Nature-inspired street art can be a powerful means of drawing attention to endangered species and emphasizing the importance of preserving natural habitats. By using their talents, street artists can become advocates for environmental conservation and ignite conversations about our shared responsibility to protect the planet.3
By Nuxuno Xän – In Fort De France, MartiniqueInspiring Sustainability: Environmental Messages in Street Art
Street art that incorporates natural elements can also raise public awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable living. These awe-inspiring creations can encourage people to reflect on their impact on the environment and take action to reduce their carbon footprint, recycle, and preserve nature.4
In NicaraguaCreating a Sense of Place: Street Art Trails and Tourism
Street art can be used to design nature trails, where visitors can explore the environment while admiring artistic masterpieces. These trails promote tourism, allowing visitors to learn about the local ecosystem, culture, and history while appreciating the art. The fusion of street art and nature can foster a deep connection with the location and enhance the overall experience.5
Flower mural by OGMillie and Floratorium in New York (5 photos)6
In Pondicherry, India 2 photos7
By Robson Melancia in Dois Córregos, Brazil8
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By Fauxreel in Toronto, Canada11
Street Art by David Zinn (3 photos)12
“UMI” Sculpture by Daniel Popper in Lisle, Illinois 4 photos13
Cuteness overload! Chalk Art by David Zinn (6 photos)14
Legend about Giants by Natalia Rak in Białystok, Poland15
16 Photos – Street Art by Michael Pederson in Sydney, Australia16
Street Art by Pejac – A Collection17
By Jonna Pohjalainen – In Turku, Finland18
By Wild Drawing in Athens, Greece19
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Street Art by Oakoak – Calvin and Hobbes23
87 Perler Bead by Pappas Pärlor -Collection 124
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By Dr Love at Upfest – In Bristol, England27
Moss Graffiti by Carly Schmitt28
The Green Carpet – In Jaujac, France 6 photos to see it all29
Small Girl and small apple – By Oakoak30
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Street Art by JPS – A Collection (+40 photos)33
Garden Hot Air Balloon – By Oakoak34
Street Art by Vinie – A Collection (24 photos)35
The sleeping beauty – In Picardie, France36
“Beautiful Love” by Alter OS in Mexico City37
Come in to Light – Wooden Sculpture By Daniel Popper In Tulum, Mexico38.
Clothespin Sculpture by Mehmet Ali Uysal in Belgium.
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The Caring Hand by Eva Oertli and Beat Huber in Glarus, Switzerland.
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Kindergarten children dropped seeds in the crack of the sidewalk to see what would happen.
More: 8 Inspiring Sculptures Seamlessly Integrated with Nature
Which one is your favorite?
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