The Intersection of Art and Nature: Rob Radloff and Ann Beha Talk Expression and Appreciation

Those of us who spend time in Maine know what a work of art it is in which we reside. Certainly this is true for Rob Radloff and Ann Beha, seasonal Maine residents who see art as an essential aspect of life, a link to the landscape and a way to help navigate our own—and each other’s—humanity. 

Their property in MidCoast Maine reflects that belief, a private landscape paying tribute to the fact that sculpture is more than something to look at—it’s an intersection between art and nature. 

Nestled in a wooded verge of their hidden drive sits a Tom Doyle sculpture, a beautiful, graceful piece resembling wood—intriguing and organic, but not wood at all. “Doyle worked in wood,” explains Rob, “but cast those outdoor wooden pieces in bronze—Mother Nature, after all, always wins. The casting is fantastic—all the lines in the wood are there.”

Closer to the house in a small clearing lives a massive, fluid, U-shaped curve of rust-colored steel framing the woods beyond. This is Nuova Twist, a sculpture created by nonagenarian artist Beverly Pepper. 

A favorite of Ann and Rob, Beverly Pepper is an American living in Todi, Italy, and creator of massive, monumental art. At 97, she has spent the last 58 years working with metal, most notably Cor-Ten steel, an industrial alloy which allows a rust-like patina to form as it weathers. 

Quoted as saying, “I use metal like paper,” Pepper captured the eye—and the soul—of Rob and Ann early on. “I love the simplicity of her work,” Rob says, “the shapes she’s created, the workmanship. This piece,” he says, indicating Nuova Twist, “is incredible. Only in certain light can you see the seams in the steel—light and shade give it beautiful movement.”

Speaking of movement—getting the sculpture to Maine from New York City, having been fabricated in Todi, was no easy feat. “Ann and I saw it in New York on the roof of a gallery,” and its migration to Maine necessitated flatbed trucks and an interesting (to say the least) drive along rural Maine roads.

“It took eleven-and-a-half hours to install,” Rob says, gesturing to the clearing in the woods. “It was especially complicated because not only is the sculpture 7,000 pounds, but it’s not balanced. Much outdoor sculpture is balanced,” Rob explains, “but this isn’t a symmetrical U; Pepper’s delicate flourishing curves create that shape. You have to drop it down perfectly on two supporting greased posts—it’s a balancing act.” 

The balancing act not only serves as a metaphor for the craft of the artist, but for the intersection between art and nature itself. This is an intersection Rob and Ann believe in so strongly that they decided Nuova Twist will one day find a home at CMBG as a permanent gift.

“We are inspired by what we’ve seen at the Gardens,” Rob says when asked about this donation. “While I like to develop a landscape, I’m no gardener. But Ann and I love gardens and we love art.”

How did they begin collecting outdoor sculpture? Rob smiles. “We ran out of wall space,” he jokes. “But seriously, we love the intersection of great art with the beauty of Mother Nature, perhaps the greatest artist. It’s incredible what you’ve done at the Gardens over 20 years, and donating sculpture to a garden helps expose people to art in a different way—it changes the equation. I think it’s powerful for people to see art in a natural setting where they might not expect it. 

“We’ve been fortunate to live with art day-to-day,” Rob continues, “and I would love more people to be able to do the same. People come to CMBG for the experience of nature, but if they can also experience art—art of magnitude, art of a significant creation—then hopefully it can become a part of their everyday lives.” 

Rob admits he’s no artist, but does have a deep appreciation of both art and craft. “I’m emotive with art,” he says. “It’s something I see and respond to positively or negatively or neutrally. It connects me to humanity, to creativity. It’s inspiring like nature is inspiring. I admire any craftsperson with skills—from sculptors to builders to the fishing and lobstering community,” he says, gesturing toward the coastline nearby. 

He continues, “CMBG has great cultural impact. It’s an economic engine, and I love the quality there, that you’ve made it accessible to the public. It’s fantastic. There’s so much to be gained from exposure to art, exposure to nature. Having an unexpected experience with either sparks curiosity about other things. We hope that by making this gift, we’ll inspire other people with sculpture to consider the Gardens.” 

Ann agrees, “A woman artist stands out for me. I’ve visited Todi and seen her work there and throughout the U.S. She’s an iconic sculptor, fearless, a master of her craft.”

Pepper’s deliberate juxtaposition between art and nature will one day find a home at the Gardens—industrial steel housed in the heart of The Pine Tree State, fulfilling Rob and Ann’s ambition of offering opportunities to enjoy art unexpectedly.

“The Gardens connects people to nature,” concludes Rob. “We hope Nuova Twist will connect people to art set in nature as well.”