"when man moves aways from nature, his heart becomes hard." - Lakota
Tucked in the quiet, rustic landscape of New Hampshire just east of Lake Sunapee is the unique botanical design studio and store of Mauli McDonald’s - art of nature.
Greeted at the door with the above words of Shel Silverstein, one can, as they suggest, "be a dreamer." A pleasant entrance to an even more pleasant experience once inside. art of nature is, as Mauli claims, "just that...God must have been an artist."
Mauli’s art is bold, as is the art of the artists she has chosen to accent her shop. It speaks clearly of her/their connection to the wild lands left on this earth. art of nature is an overflowing medley of art and objects rooted in the natural world. Even the words painted on the walls are just another reminder of the drum this woman beats.
Mauli's dedication of over twenty years in designing has resulted in her well recognized, award winning product. Skilled in the ability to combine colors and textures of mosses and foliage with other natural elements such as antlers, turtle shells and feathers, Mauli’s work offers a refreshing tone to the world of design. Each one-of-a-kind design is a landscape of its own.
Aside from the drama of her botanical line, Mauli also creates antler lamps & chandeliers with handmade buckskin shades. Each lamp is handcrafted with impeccable detail in balance and symmetry. Her pride in the construciton of these lamps is obvious when one attempts to find the wiring. How do you do it, one asks? Her reply, "old Indian trick."
You will also find an ever-changing selection of fresh cut flowers and arrangements. Although art of nature does not do daily deliveries (other than weddings, parties or funerals) you may custom order for pick up. Mauli's fresh flower designs are as intriguing and imaginative as is her preserved botanical line. You will find anything from fresh fruit and vegetables to stones and starfish. The creativity in this shop is boundless.
On one wall is the ineffable pencil drawings of long time friend, Marita Parisi
Mauli and Marita’s paths crossed about fifteen years ago and one can easily see, not by accident. These two women were designed to stumble into one another and one might even question whether their lives have crossed before. Their work however drastically different in skin runs hand in hand in marrow.
Although Mauli’s creativity is the staple here, the shop is filled with natural raw materials. You will find things such as feathers, ostrich & quail eggs, to turtle shells and mounted insects and butterflies from around the world. Art of nature also carries French milled soaps and herbal body products, a variety of beautiful candles, garden art and indoor house plants. It is a blend of “organic” items that make you feel good.