Patrick Dougherty

Patrick Dougherty’s stick structures are captivating landscape art created from basic building materials (sticks).


I learned about Patrick when I posted about Where the Wild Things Are and my friend Susan tweeted how she thought the fort in the movie was similar to his work. I think she has a point….certainly the set designers took inspiration from Patrick. I wish he would come design and build a fort for me…..




The pitchers in the water and Cell Division pieces above are my favorites. I love how they soften the lines of the architecture and how the architecture seems to make the sculptures more breathtaking.

Which is your favorite piece? Patrick is offering a catalog of his work for sale at his website. It would make a lovely holiday gift.



how it grows said,
November 16, 2009 @ 11:35 pm
I love his work!
Sheila H said,
November 17, 2009 @ 9:57 am
My favorite piece is the one against the trees – I love how it blends in. I would put stairs and a second floor so you could take advantage of the second level views but I don’t think it’s structural feasible. It would be fun to play, dream, and sing!
Sheila H said,
November 17, 2009 @ 10:21 am
I just found out via the website, Patrick will be in MN next May! I hope to watch him build his exhibit. If he takes volunteers, I’ll be there!
lapetitegallery.blogspot.com said,
November 17, 2009 @ 7:34 pm
The first look like Ireland.
Where is he from?
I like the pitchers and the wall against the trees.
Thanks for sharing that treat.
Yvonne
rochelle said,
November 18, 2009 @ 7:36 am
patrick is from North Carolina — but the structures that he creates are all over the world.
Craig @ Ellis Hollow said,
November 18, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
I had the distinct privilege of working with Patrick on an installation a couple of years ago. Nicest guy you’d ever want to spent time working with. See this post: http://www.remarc.com/craig/?p=20
And these: http://www.remarc.com/craig/?s=dougherty
jess said,
November 19, 2009 @ 2:31 pm
I love the third one – it looks like the spire on the building is evolving and morphing into the hut on the ground. I believe this was installed at the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Massachusetts a few years ago (no longer there, unfortunately).
Helen said,
November 19, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
I love all of his work, but if I have to choose, OK, the pitchers and the sort of leaning bottle shaped pieces.