Art in Nature

Well I suppose the next step in this creative spirit blog is to talk about the types of art that I am interested in and do. There is so little time during the semester to even breathe the word art let alone take the time to spend time doing things that are good for our well-being both spiritually and emotionally. As you might be able to tell from my blog I am a lover of nature. There is nothing id rather be doing then be out exploring in the fresh air. I have brought this love into the art that I create and the art that I surround myself in. I collect rocks, I am an avid rock hunted. I considered becoming a geologist in university but decided that it would be possible to merge the two things I love---teaching and geology. I could spend hours on my knees at a creek bed scavenging through the art that the universe has created for us that has taken millions of years. I have baskets of rocks, rows along my window sill and my plants are overflowing with them. I create candle holders and sculptures out of rocks as well. In the wintertime, I make dozens of centerpieces with branches, berries, pinecones and leaves that I collect in the forest. They fill the house with Christmas spirit and the smells of Christmas. I think that it is important for us as teachers to expose our students to unconventional styles of art so that they can find ways to express themselves in ways other than painting and drawing. Elements of lines, texture and shading can be found in everything, and Mother Nature has placed lessons right before our eyes. Take your students for a walk and have them point out elements of art on a tree or in a shadow. Let them know that art is to be enjoyed and experienced.