Trees, Thoughts and the Springtime Sun

The playlist I always listen to when I need to get creative is called “mountains”. It’s a roughly curated mix of indie/folk/acoustic songs that are equally depressing and inspiring (much like the inside of my brain). I created this playlist as a way to collect songs that made me feel the way I feel when I’m outside, surrounded by mountains. By no coincidence, this has become my favourite playlist to put on when I’m writing or making art.

There is something so undeniably creative about feeling connected to nature. Art rooted in the natural world seems timeless, infinite, true.

Growing up on a farm, I took my surroundings for granted. The sunset walks were a chore and the distance from town an inconvenience. Now, I see my old home as the most beautiful, calming place in the world. It’s the place I escape the city to for respite and fresh air and tank water.

I think my love of nature is pretty obvious in my work. I love acoustic instruments and hand-written journals and paint brushes and the subjects of people and places and plants. I think, by depicting these natural things- like the lines on a face or the colours in the trees- I want to remind others (and myself) how special they are. Every sunset is unique. Every face is formed by our lives and those of our ancestors. (Almost) every natural thing is beautiful.

We tend to forget that, sometimes.

The feeling of running in the rain or laying in the sunshine or swimming in the ocean cannot be replicated. I, personally, do not get anywhere near as inspired by showers or fluorescent lights or swimming pools. The magic is in nature. 

So, if you’re struggling to feel inspired, take this as a sign that you should probably go outside. Go somewhere new and sit and think or go for a walk or swim or run and see where your mind takes you. I think you might like it. It’s in our blood. 

xx Rose