Nature Forever Inspires Artists

artist from Blue Spiral Gallery/Asheville, North Carolina
Nature is a constant source of inspiration for artists.

artist from Blue Spiral Gallery/Asheville, North Carolina

Anhinga in St. Mark's Nature Refuge/North West Florida

Ibis/Gulf Coast/ Florida

I learned a geat deal about nature from my Mother and Father who both grew up

on rural farms. They were both keen observers of animals, plants and nature.

My Mother went on to get a degree in biology and taught science. We were brought up

with animals of all kinds: dogs, cats, birds, snakes, fish, lizards, mice and even a pet skunk. Our

family often went on rides into the country side. Mother taught us about the many

different bird calls, how to identify birds eggs and how each species of birds construct their nest

so differently.

And then there were the animals Mom rescued. My Mother rescued many animals

during my childhood. There was pidgie, a pigeon that had a broken

wing. She lived with us all winter in a card board box by the fireplace. At first I was a

bit annoyed with the inconvenience, but then I noticed pidgie looked forward to me

coming in the room, then she wanted petting and being held. I then understood she had

a personality that was her own. Now when I look at pigeons on the street or at a park, all

I think how they must each be unique like pidgie. Then there was squirlie, and squirlie 2.

There were possums that ate cat food with the cats and large Buffo frogs that came to her

call. What we learned from Mother was to honor all life, and to respect each species

unique personalties.

There is an American Indian story I remember in which the Father explains the importance of

all Earth's creatures to his children. He tells his children animals and insects are like people

with families and a job to do on this Earth. He tells his children we must

honor their lives. If it is necessary to take their life for food, then we must give thanks and honor

their being. I think my Mother must lived by this philosophy.

As artists we are observers and reflectors of the world.