Salixology (WILLOWS & SCULPTURE) with Patrick Dougherty
It’s the Ologies 9th Anniversary episode – and the customary gift is willow. So I reached out to an artist whose work means a lot to me, and convinced world-renowned environmental sculptor Patrick Dougherty to chat about his work, and about willows in general. Twisting and tangling literal tons of willow saplings, Patrick and his crews create huge, site-specific sculptures that look like fantastical buildings, but made almost entirely of sustainably-sourced branches. I’ve loved his work for decades, and this chat was like a kid meeting their basketball hero. We also address: cleaning up ecology with willows, their spine-like roots, why some willows weep, plumbing follies, medicinal uses of willows, why they’re so bendy, the poetry that nature inspires, why sniffing sticks is healthy, the physics of birds’ nests, and reconnecting with the wonder you had as a child. Instant classic.
Listen via Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Ad-free episodes available by subscribing to SiriusXM Podcasts+. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Visit Patrick’s website and follow him on Instagram
Buy James Florio’s photography book Sticks featuring 16 of Patrick’s projects
A donation went to the NC Conservation Network
Links to things we discussed:
Stickwork - How I helped build sculptural landscape art with Patrick Dougherty
Pando, the world’s biggest tree network
What Are Pussy Willows, Anyway?
On the Distribution and Origin of Salix in the World
#WillowhutWednesday
Patrick’s Pilgrimage exhibit featuring 250 gloves at Cameron Art Museum Nov 2026-April 2027
Oswego County farmers part of willow growing renewable fuel project
Vegetation Management Frequently Asked Questions: Pruning and Removal Program
Patrick Dougherty: Step Right Up - Ackland Art Museum
Local sticks star in Patrick Dougherty's 300th "Stickwork" installation at Chatfield Farms
On the Distribution and Origin of Salix in the World
Ultrafast reversible self-assembly of living tangled matter
Nature and human well-being: The olfactory pathway | Science Advances
Journal of Integrative Plant Biology: Genetic improvement of willow for bioenergy and biofuels
Physics of Living Tangled Matter
How do bird nests stay together?
Explaining the Mechanics of a Bird’s Nest
Trees with Aggressive Root Systems That Can Invade Sewer Lines
Entanglement transition in random rod packings
Pink Collar Workers: Buffalo Bird Woman
Why Are Weeping Willows Said to Weep?
Other episodes you may enjoy:
Canistrumology (BASKET WEAVING)
Ethnoecology (ETHNOBOTANY/NATIVE PLANTS)
Indigenous Fashionology (NATIVE CLOTHING)
Modern Toichographology (MURALS & STREET ART)
FIELD TRIP: I Take You to the Making of a Mural
Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES)
Field Trip: How to Change Your Life via the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
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Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee
Managing Director: Susan Hale
Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth
Transcripts by Aveline Malek
Website by Kelly R. Dwyer
Theme song by Nick Thorburn
