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Turning unwanted weeds into works of art

Oriental Bittersweet, an invasive weed, becomes elaborate sculpture in the hands of married couple Seth Goldstein and Paula Stone.

Seth Goldstein untwists a vine of Oriental Bittersweet, noting the scars left on the tree from the invasive vine. This outing in Bethesda is part of an effort by Goldstein and his wife Paula Stone to turn the pernicious weed into art. They scour local parks and other land for Oriental bittersweet, free the trees from it and then turn the vines they've collected into sculptures.

Seth Goldstein untwists a vine of Oriental Bittersweet, noting the scars left on the tree from the invasive vine. This outing in Bethesda is part of an effort by Goldstein and his wife Paula Stone to turn the pernicious weed into art. They scour local parks and other land for Oriental bittersweet, free the trees from it and then turn the vines they've collected into sculptures.

Alexandra Garcia-The Washington Post

Goldstein and Stone work on "Serpentvine," a new sculpture made of Oriental Bittersweet.

Goldstein and Stone work on "Serpentvine," a new sculpture made of Oriental Bittersweet.

Alexandra Garcia-The Washington Post

Goldstein carries the Oriental Bittersweet he and his wife cut down. Scientists say the invasive species cannot be stopped.

Goldstein carries the Oriental Bittersweet he and his wife cut down. Scientists say the invasive species cannot be stopped.

Alexandra Garcia-The Washington Post

Goldsteinv and Stone search for Celastrus orbiculatus -- the scientific name for Oriental Bittersweet - in Bethesda.

Goldsteinv and Stone search for Celastrus orbiculatus -- the scientific name for Oriental Bittersweet - in Bethesda.

Alexandra Garcia-The Washington Post

Stone and Goldstein team up to cut down a vine of Oriental Bittersweet. The couple are both retired engineers with other artistic hobbies. She is a playwright, and he works on kinetic sculptures.

Stone and Goldstein team up to cut down a vine of Oriental Bittersweet. The couple are both retired engineers with other artistic hobbies. She is a playwright, and he works on kinetic sculptures.

Alexandra Garcia-The Washington Post

Goldstein and Stone made this Oriental Bittersweet sculpture, dubbed "Weedle Dee." "Weedle Dum" has yet to be made.

Goldstein and Stone made this Oriental Bittersweet sculpture, dubbed "Weedle Dee." "Weedle Dum" has yet to be made.

Alexandra Garcia-The Washington Post

Goldstein and Stone work on "Serpentvine," one of their new sculptures made of Oriental Bittersweet.

Goldstein and Stone work on "Serpentvine," one of their new sculptures made of Oriental Bittersweet.

Alexandra Garcia-The Washington Post

Goldstein rests beside "Weedle Dee," a sculpture he and his wife made out of Oriental Bittersweet.

Goldstein rests beside "Weedle Dee," a sculpture he and his wife made out of Oriental Bittersweet.

Alexandra Garcia-The Washington Post

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This Story For an artsy couple, the vine inspiration Article \| Some artists go to their local supplies store to gather materials. Sculptors Paula Stone and Seth Goldstein go over the hills and through the suburban woods to get theirs. Turning unwanted weeds into works of art 'Weed Warriors' turn vines into vine art		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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