This is how I built the world’s largest ball of sticks

This is how I built the world’s largest ball of sticks

For years, I've admired the incredible nature art of Andy Goldsworthy—especially his use of geometry and natural materials. When a hotel in Connecticut commissioned me for a sculpture, I finally had the chance to bring a long-time idea to life: an 8-foot diameter sphere made entirely out of twigs. What started as a simple concept turned into a massive project involving CNC-cut black locust ribs, countless screws, endless branches of mountain laurel, and a whole lot of trial and error. From building a near-perfect frame to weaving thousands of twigs, the process was a mix of problem-solving, muscle, and unexpected detours (like realizing the globe wouldn’t fit through my shop door).

Along the way, I learned a lot—not just about sculpture, but about adapting to challenges and leaning into the chaos. Whether it was getting help from friends, working out in the woods, or making sure every branch followed the form, this giant twig sphere became one of my favorite accomplishments. It’s fully organic, surprisingly durable, and now lives proudly at its new home, delighting hotel guests and passersby. If you're into sculpture, woodworking, nature art, or just love watching creative projects come together, hit that subscribe button and stick around for more builds.

----------------------------------------------------------------

// Locally sourced. Handcrafted. Custom projects for Home, Garden, Display and Public Spaces. Charlie Baker is an artist and craftsman that incorporates natural materials into his creations, striving to make his finish pieces look as though they could have grown out of the earth. In combining twisty shapes found in nature, his organic sculptures appear to have a sense of motion. Drawing from his combined rural and urban upbringing, his furniture, lighting and garden pieces often combine these haphazard lines from nature and the straight lines of the man made. He hopes his pieces inspire an appreciation for nature and a recognition of the craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Charlie's work has been featured in publications like the New York Times, Rizzoli Master Class, World of Interiors, Wired, and he has been commissioned by celebrated brands like Hermés and Ralph Lauren, hotels, restaurants, award winning designers and more.

To see more of Charlie’s work visit his Instagram and website.
Instagram: @bakerstructures Website: bakerstructures.com

#NatureArt, #TwigSculpture, #AndyGoldsworthyInspired, #WoodworkingProject, #OutdoorSculpture, #MountainLaurel, #SculptureProcess, #ArtistAtWork, #OrganicArt, #GlobeSculpture, #SatisfyingBuild, #CreativeEngineering, #ArtInstallation, #ConnecticutArt, #SculptureTimeLapse

twig sculpture, nature art project, woodworking sculpture, sphere art installation, mountain laurel twigs, organic sculpture, outdoor artwork, handmade sculpture, creative building process, woodworking meets art, large scale sculpture, hotel art commission, natural materials in art, art time lapse