Nature Inspired Art

A Re- Leaf

The secret of human happiness is not in self seeking but in self forgetting"
- Theodor Reik 

A Walk in the Suburbs.

A grey overcast sky with the promise of rain wafting on the gentle breeze. A wide, even footpath winding its way merrily through the colourful suburban landscape leads me to the local nature reserve.  With spring only a week away in Australia, the birds are filling the airways with courtship songs and the bright flower buds are bursting at the seams with anticipation. My footsteps slow as I briefly enter 'the zone' where I zone out. Some of the worlds greatest thinkers refer to it as the "flow state".    I think of it as a state where I feel completely at one with whatever I am doing.  I am no longer self-absorbed and inward looking but absorbed into my surrounds and outward looking. I am completely focused on the NOW and the sensory splendour of the moment. Spending time in nature is like having a holiday from myself.  The perfect way to unwind and de-stress. Find peace


In the Zone

Being creative is another way of stepping outside of ourselves.  I think I have made a joke - stepping outside (into nature) to vacate our inner world ( the indoors) haha. The creative process helps me clear my mind of negative though patterns and encourages me to focus on the moment.  It connects my head, heart and hands enabling me to use images as language to fully express myself and thus gain a deeper understanding of who I am.  Combing spending time in nature and creating art in nature leads to a powerful synergy between the two activities - a full immersion of expression and release.

As I walk and absorb the sights, sounds and smells of the bushland, like a bowerbird, I collect objects that catch my attention such as stones, sticks, leaves and feathers.  Unlike a bowerbird, the natural objects don't have to be shiny and bright, they just have to have called my attention to themselves.  I put them in my pocket and when I return home I they will display them on my nature table and use them for inspiration in my art and journaling.

Combining Art and Nature

Today the leafy green leaves on the trees, shrubs and flowers catch my eye.  All the shapes, colours and textures shout out to the passing insects and birds to come and investigate.  They called to me too.  I particularly liked the maple leaf and the Nasturtium because of irregular shape of the leaf and the prominent veins that reminded me of our own circulatory system.  

I decided to do some leaf rubbing, initially with a 2B pencil, but I felt this did not do justice to verdancy of the subject.  So I used a variety of coloured pencils instead.  I liked the look but felt it didn't extenuate the shape enough.  I outlined the edge of each leaf which gave it more definition.  






I then did a background page in just plain green leaf rubbings before gluing the coloured leaves to the page.  I fined off by naming the plants.  

I would love to learn how to draw botanicals but doubt I have the patience.  I have heard it is a meticulous and intense artform.

Collaborating With Nature 

Some other ideas I have tried include:
  •  Create a Nature Table or indoor alter by arranging natural objects you have found on your walks .  It could be themed or seasonal. The one here celebrates winter.  
  •  Use a leaves as stencils or a stamp . This background paper was made using inks and a variety of different size maple leaves.  I collected the leaves in Autumn and enjoyed the rainbow of colours on display.
  • Outdoor Installation or Environmental Art: This piece was created at a picnic area at the base of a mountain.  I loved the idea of prompting the next hiker to open their eyes to the variety of flora on offer on the slopes. 
Self forgetting in nature and art opens me up to divine healing on all levels. What activity helps you find 'the zone' of self forgetting?  

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This blog is not intended to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.  All information, activities, ideas and art directives should not replace or be used as a substitute for professionally trained mental health workers, psychotherapists, counselling, art therapy or play therapy. Although anyone can have a healing experience with art, art therapy requires the direction of a trained art therapist.   










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