Wander
20" x 16" / acrylic on canvas / sold
Wander
In December of 2007, I made a commitment that would forever change how I view and interact with the world around me. I committed to knowing the land that I lived on by walking the land and Earth surrounding my home for at least one hour every day for the course of a year. I came to believe that if I engaged with nature in this way, I would come to a much deeper understanding of how the seasons and life itself folds in and out, waxes and wanes. A deeper sense of how all things are connected. As I wandered through the natural world that enveloped my daily world, I became enraptured by what I saw when I slowed down enough to truly take the time and observe the world around me. It was as if the lens of my internal camera had been refocused and I was able to see things in a way that had previously been hidden from me. I was learning to adapt the lens of my camera to reveal the Borderlands that existed all around us.
Thoughts of my childhood and my time spent wandering the woods returned as I stood in beautiful moments of remembrance when I recalled the name of a certain tree or plant. At times I had memories of my Mother and Father teaching me what they had been taught about the land that had held and supported so many generations of my family. At times, I felt certain that it was the plants and trees themselves who were revealing their names and purposes to me.
I was continuously fascinated at the knowledge that I was gaining from my daily interactions with the natural world. It was for this reason that I began carrying a digital camera with me whenever I entered the majesty of nature’s kingdom. I began documenting my year’s commitment in this way. As the seasons turned from one into the other, I watched, fascinated, as I again embraced the wisest and greatest teacher that I have known. In return for my simple act of dedication to observe and spend time in her presence, she opened and extended her arms to me. I was once again embraced by the Mother who had held me so safely and magically throughout my childhood.
Thoughts of my childhood and my time spent wandering the woods returned as I stood in beautiful moments of remembrance when I recalled the name of a certain tree or plant. At times I had memories of my Mother and Father teaching me what they had been taught about the land that had held and supported so many generations of my family. At times, I felt certain that it was the plants and trees themselves who were revealing their names and purposes to me.
I was continuously fascinated at the knowledge that I was gaining from my daily interactions with the natural world. It was for this reason that I began carrying a digital camera with me whenever I entered the majesty of nature’s kingdom. I began documenting my year’s commitment in this way. As the seasons turned from one into the other, I watched, fascinated, as I again embraced the wisest and greatest teacher that I have known. In return for my simple act of dedication to observe and spend time in her presence, she opened and extended her arms to me. I was once again embraced by the Mother who had held me so safely and magically throughout my childhood.
