Nature Inspires Creativity

Wild Flowers taken at Creswell Crags

I've always had a deep connection with nature and the outdoors, feeling more at peace in wide open spaces. The fields were our playgrounds growing up in a village. Today when I walk past a farm and smell the familiar smells I'm taken back to my walk to school and old Farmer Askey sitting on the wall, always happy to chat, unless you were caught messing about in the frog pond where 'the cows have to drink!' He would say the smells of the fields was 'good for your chest!' He was right!

It's no surprise then that I began a career as a forest school instructor. I've seen for myself the changes that happen within a child who spends time outdoors, given permission to just be. When you take the walls and replace them with the sights, sounds and smells of nature, a natural re-grounding occurs. Once the mind is at peace then comes creativity and a confidence to explore and appreciate the natural world around us. Noticing subtle changes in each season. The only screen being the sky for cloud spotting and movement the gentle swaying of the silky petals of the brightly coloured poppy, which catches the eye and evokes curiosity. We use the colours of nature to describe the world around us. Inspired by the natural elements of water, earth, fire and air the mind is free to listen and the soul burns brighter as an internal flame that began as a spark that was always there, ignites. We begin to shine.

The shapes and textures in the environment invoke imagination. Inquisitive minds begin to see patterns and find play things in the objects nature has provided.

The smell of the earth evokes memories of gardening with grandma and sowing seeds, watering them in the evening and all sitting around talking about the growth and beautiful changes we notice, that are a result of our care and connection. The feel of the green blanket moss as we run our hand across the wall. The rich smell of the mulch that is the woodland floor thriving with life. The occasional surprise in the shape of a brightly coloured mushroom. Stories begin to flow like the trickle of the babbling brook and thoughts are shared freely. Art is made up of a combination of shapes and tones and nature has so many to share.

In nature I'm happiest. The rhythm of my heart aligns with the slow pace around me. I begin to notice the small things. It's times like these when my creativity shines brightest. 

'In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.'

John Muir