Abstract

This dissertation is the culmination of my past experiences and values, particularly my love of an art practice that deals with nature. As a result, this thesis questions how and why nature-based art production can be incorporated into art practice to produce sustainable and meaningful art making in the studio and discusses the implications of this way of working for the elementary school classroom. Through a studio-based research, I explore the possibilities of a nature-based art production that includes working with natural, recycled and traditional materials. This is done using qualitative research and reflective practices in the creation of three works of art, and the study of nine environmental artists who create similar art. The data from the studio component consists of journal entries and photographs to illustrate salient points for the reader. This forms the basis for a discussion about art and nature. The thesis concludes with both practical and educational implications for a classroom setting including feasibility and potential values, as well as personal findings stemming from my own experience of a greener studio practice.