Today marks 2 weeks of sunshine and above freezing temperatures. How vividly green some things already are, especially out in the forest!
I feel like I’m waking up. Though I’ve been quiet in the external world of social sharing and all that, I am literally coming alive inside. My dreams are becoming clearer. All around my house, tiny seeds are germinating. Literally and metaphorically.
Today I want to share about some art projects and work that have been inspiring me, as I reflect on what I’m looking forward to most this spring and summer.
Says Jeanne Simmons of her work: “Extensions involves the merging of my model’s hair with the grassy hillside, by means of a braid. I braided a grass extension to my model’s actual hair and connected it to a braided section of grass…. With this piece, I was attempting to express my feeling that I am an extension of the natural world, and that the natural world is an extension of me. I was also striving to illustrate the unbreakable bond between us.”
For me, creating with nature means wildharvesting and foraging for all of the reasons I’ve mentioned before. It is not only a time of gathering materials, but of gathering knowledge.
But the real visceral connection to the earth is what I look forward to most. Bare feet. Dirty hands. All of my senses being used in a way that’s just impossible during the frozen, quiet winters. To simply spend more time outside. It makes me feel so much better. And while I love growing and wildharvesting things, even the simple act of outdoor play and rest is enough.
In our area, there are tons of huge stones, which my kids love to climb. And in the springtime, as the snow and ice are melting, there are pools and puddles of water in all of the crevices and pockets of the stones. My kids love to make “soups” in these little pools. We gather random leaves, twigs, grass, flowers, etc., stir them into the pots of “soup.” We find a piece of tree bark, which becomes a plate for us to build a “salad” on. We take fallen twigs and build a “fire” on which to cook our meal. When there’s the time and will, we even build little huts.
Not only is this a fun way for them to learn about their world, even the humble weeds, but I’m amazed by how imaginative they become. How ephemeral the play can be. It’s the opposite of when we walk into big toy stores and they’re constantly pleading, Mama, can we take this home? When we’re playing with materials in nature, they don’t fight over every little thing, they don’t feel the need to take it home, call it mine. In fact, when it’s time to go, they talk excitedly about who will find it next. Maybe another kid will play in the “house” they made. Maybe a bird will come eat their “salad.” They can walk away and leave it for someone else.
And yes, still and forever inspired by stones.
And baskets. I’ve been weaving a bit more lately, which feels like a homecoming. Been learning most recently by an Australian weaver, who uses totally different materials and methods than I was trained in. Which is so amazing. Every single basket is so special. Each one is story, or collection of stories about time, place, culture, history, and more – all woven together by hand.
“We do not ‘come into’ this world; we come out of it, as leaves from a tree. As the ocean ‘waves,’ the universe ‘peoples.’ Every individual is an expression of the whole realm of nature, a unique action of the total universe.”
Alan Watts
It’s not just people though. Every single thing in nature is a unique expression of the universe, right? In our society, with mirrors and screens constantly reflecting ourselves back to ourselves, it’s easy to believe that life is all about us. That we’re the only ones who matter and everything else is merely a resource. And then, yes, it’s easy to lose sight of everything we’re connected to and depend on – but most tragically, it stops us from truly knowing all of the other expressions of life out there. We miss out on some very special understandings and relationships.
Many other cultures have shown us how to live with a great respect for all of life, how to communicate with other species and sustain relationships with them, and yet still rely on them for survival. I remain so roused and moved by that wisdom there.
What is moving you during this shift in seasons? Especially if you also live in a very northern climate, this shift is perhaps the most dramatic of the entire year. Who is inspiring you? What are you looking forward to?
Cheers to the sunshine! Take good care and #staywyld
xx
