“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
~Albert Einstein
Recently, I’ve been hiking on my own (in a safe location) and listening to the messages nature so graciously gives. As she spoke to me, I realized that her messages translate so beautifully into my daily life and my enameling. Here are some of the things she told me:
Don’t Consider a Bad Situation a Lifelong Sentence
Two years ago we had several avalanches due to extreme snowfall. Swaths of trees were decimated. Two years later, it’s only from the residual debris that we can even tell that there ever was an avalanche. My professional life seems to be a series of mini avalanches. I never experienced a devastating clearing out, however, I did experience dramatic changes. I moved from tech, to crafting, to enameling, to silver smithing, to painting, and now to a combination of all. Interestingly, I allowed each clearing to make space for an unknown new.
Unknown Path
If you’ve followed me for awhile, you probably know I absolutely adore portals. I love that they represent the unknown. I love going through them. I feel like they bring enchantment and wonder to my life’s adventure. When I hike, I frequently encounter natural portals. It brings forth that wonder and enchantment. I’ve been fortunate to experience my artistic journey as a series of portals. There’s a sense of wonder and enthusiasm about diving into the unknown. My journey has been filled with twists and turns, but each time I willingly go through a portal, the joy of the new experience is almost palpable.
Find the Path of Least Resistance
Both the avalanches and the resulting spring melt illustrate how nature continually follows the path of least resistance. I love spring runoff because it illuminates that point. Water that typically flows down one path may choose an altogether different path simply because it is easier. It doesn’t care that it’s not where it’s “supposed” to go. It goes where it makes the most sense. I’ve had a more difficult time assimilating this truth into my journey. I often resisted the simpler path only to result in frustration. When I finally quit trying to force my path and allowed it to naturally flow, my expression became much more clear.
Stand in Your Own True Self – Don’t Compare
I’ve heard this truth time and time again – the trees don’t compare – they stand in their own beauty – they don’t try to be anything they’re not. It’s easy to see that all of these statements are true in nature. Walking on a trail, looking at the various trees or looking on the ground at the fallen leaves, I see the beauty in the differences. Yet, once again, translating this truth to my own personal life or my creative journey took a few (thousand) tries. Now I’m finally owning who I am as an artist and appreciating my own unique voice. I admire and am inspired by so many other artists. I appreciate their voice and approaches often learning from them. However, they are them and I am me and there is room for us all.
Seasons
For years, I hated winter because it was dark and cold and I didn’t have as much energy. I hated fall because it led to winter. That meant that I only liked two seasons. Nature shows me that every season has a purpose. We can’t be expanding all of the time, we cannot be operating in full force all of the time. We need to harvest the fruits of our labor. We need to rest to rejuvenate. Releasing things that are no longer needed makes room for new. Resting in stillness allows for revitalization. I now recognize that each season has an important purpose for the whole. Even with my enameling, I recognize a cycle and embrace it now.
Support One Another
Walking along, I notice that fallen trees slowly are decomposing. Looking at them as only debris is missing the entire point. Looking closer, I see that they are nourishment for new growth. As I pause to look at plants growing of a fallen tree, I feel a sense of gratitude for the generosity of the fallen tree. It’s such a beautiful reminder to share. It’s how I approach my enameling. People before me have generously shared their knowledge with me. I take that generosity and pay it forward.
What’s Your Experience?
Do any of these points resonate with you? Where have you learned your most profound lessons?
