Design Principles: Nature
Structures #3 ©2003 28" x 26"
Some more thoughts on the design principles from my kids’ Expeditionary Learning school and how they relate to being an artist.
[All my posts on design principles.]
Design Principle #8: The Natural World
A direct and respectful relationship with the natural world refreshes the human spirit and reveals the important lessons of recurring cycles and cause and effect. Students learn to become stewards of the earth and of the generations to come.
Inspiration
My work is heavily informed by the southwestern landscape, from canyon walls and the desert to the green forest trees and the rocky mountains. I grew up backpacking, camping and hiking in northern New Mexico, the most beautiful place on earth. After living in California, Wisconsin, New York and Virginia I decided I needed to permanently settle in the southwest as it feels like home.
Spending time in nature is an essential part of my being an artist. Looking at pictures for inspiration is nice but nothing beats being in the wilderness with no one around for miles to soak in the beauty, serenity and magic. Standing on the top of a 14,000 ft peak looking out across the top of Colorado is incredible and getting back on top of our high peaks is a goal for this year. I also want to get back to the desert as the sheer canyon walls give me goosebumps. The cracks in the rock, the color changes across the surface - amazing!
Nothing beats experiencing nature to rejuvenate the human spirit. When things aren’t going perfectly or when things are are a little crazy, I find that taking the time to reconnect with nature is a great way to regain balance. With the house sales and impending move, the past few months have been a bit off kilter. I think a day in the mountains hiking is exactly what I need to reconnect with myself. This weekend I will definitely find a bit of time to get outdoors.
Move Update
The sellers and I have come to an agreement for me to purchase their home. I close on both the house I’m selling and the house I’m buying on wednesday! I’m so excited. A new beginning. A new house. And for my kids, the same school, moving closer to their friends. It’s exactly what we need for the next stage of our life.
More details later on the new house and how my studio will fit into the home.
Happy friday everyone.
Detail of Structures #3
Posted by Lisa in: Being an Artist
Tagged: design principles, hiking, Moving
Martha Marshall said,
June 21, 2008 @ 2:44 am
Lisa, just so you know, I’m always reading your blog even when I’m silent. But this morning I wanted to tell you how beautiful these mountains are, and how much I appreciate your thoughts about getting out and jut being in nature. We don’t realize how much we miss it until we take some time to do that.
Good luck with your move. I’m in limbo right now trying to sell my home. We’ll be watching for updates.
amy said,
June 21, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
this quilt is beautiful!
Lisa Call said,
June 21, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
Martha good luck with your house sale! I read your blog also but haven’t done much commenting the past year. Thanks for the thoughts
Thank you Amy!
Deirdre said,
June 21, 2008 @ 7:54 pm
Lisa - I’m mostly a lurker but I want to send my best for your move. It sounds like you are one of the lucky people - who sell and buy at the same time!
Your work is very inspiring and I can’t wait to see what you produce in your new studio!
:-D eirdre
Lisa Call said,
June 23, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
Thanks Deirdre! it is wonderful how the timing of this is just working out perfectly.