Lisa Call

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

 
I was tagged a few weeks back by Stacey for the 5 random things about myself meme traveling about the blog world and tonight feels like a good night to think of 5 because I don’t feel like writing about art and goals, etc.

1) I used to do a lot of hiking. The above photo was taken in 2002 on top of Crystal Peak near Breckenridge. The peak behind me is Pacific Peak. Climbing the 14ers has become very popular here in Colorado and there is a steady stream of people headed to the top so I started hiking the high 13ers instead. Same thing only significantly fewer people because there is no score card to be kept. I have no goals in my hiking other than to enjoy the outdoors.

2) A few years ago for father’s day I hiked to the top of Quandary Peak alone, a 14er also near Breckenridge, for the sole purpose of calling my dad from the top to wish him Happy Father’s Day in celebration of all hiking we did when I was a kid. I guess I do often have 1 goal in hiking, and that is getting to the top, something I think I inherited from my dad. Gotta see what’s on the other side!

3) I used to love skiing. Then I moved to Colorado in 94 and haven’t skied since. The traffic, cost and crowds are not worth it to me.

4) I’ve (mostly) been a vegetarian since 1985 and eat very healthy, mostly home cooked simple meals.

5) I love melted velveeta and rotel with chips, in stark contrast to item #4. I even like those nasty nachos in theaters with the plastic cheese. I know, disgusting.

 
Now to tag 5 folks. This is the part I don’t like - that whole popularity contest thing I don’t like. So instead I tag everyone that reads this post. Consider yourself personally tagged, and thank you for reading my ramblings, be it just today, or all the days you read. You are much appreciated.