Welcome to 'Art In Nature Challenge'

'Without nature, no society.' -Margaret Mead

Like thousands of seeds lying dormant in the soil until the right conditions prompt them to start to grow, we too have much natural hidden potential waiting in the depths. This 'Art in Nature Challenge' Project is intended to get you out into the environment where seeds of expression can be inspired to take root and flourish in new directions.

Do you know the trees in your area or the wildlife that live there? Have you been outside today and enjoyed the day or evening landscape, sensed it’s movement as the season changes? By taking the 'Challenge' to spend a little time each day in nature, to know it better, it will fill your senses and bring new awareness and creative thinking. And by sharing our journey of discovery on this forum many more seeds will be planted and collaborations may be inspired.

How To Join In:

- Sign in the comment box on this, the 'Art & Nature Challenge', page and let everyone know you are taking the Challenge and include your location of where on the globe you are located. Tell us anything else you may want or about your intention for participating in this project.

- Post a comment on the Art In Nature Challenge page to link to your own member's page where you will be journaling your Challenge experiences and activities.

- You can invite a person to ‘Buddy’ with, so you can keep each other on track during the Challenge through personal e-mails.

How To Get Started:

-Make some time, as little as 20 minutes, each day of the Challenge, to go somewhere to experience nature. It doesn't have to be far. It can be anywhere outside- your backyard, the lot down the street, the park near your job, the woods. Go wherever you can easily access nature each day. Going to the same place helps you to get to know that place and nature better. If you are travelng, stop somewhere and go outside where you can.

- Use all your senses. Pay attention to what you hear, smell, feel, and see. You may have things you can 'taste', but be careful and check fieldguides about wild edibles. Many are toxic. Be sure to observe in all directions, looking up at the sky, into the distance, at the ground. You may want to bring a compass so you can note the directions of the wind or where a sound is coming from. Don't hesitate to refer to field guides or the internet if you want to learn more about something you've seen. Share what you've found out with us or pose a question as part of your post that day.

- Play creatively! See how your ‘sit’ that day inspires you. You may want to explore around a bit and see what’s around you. It may work for you to to take in a small area, at first, and see everything that's within a few feet of you. Then start opening up your scope. Your 'game plan' will be unique to you, and this will be part of your creative development. But, don't overplan, if at all, leave room for plenty of spontaneity.

-Create something! Make a small creative piece- write, sketch, compose or construct a piece of art about or using a woodland view or object. Bring a pad and pen, a camera, glue or string. Most of all, allow this experience to open up your vision and connection to the natural world and inspire something new to grow within you. Don't edit or limit what you feel pulled to do that day, though you don't know where it will take you. In addition to journaling field notes (recommended), you may want to start by creating a hanging object using found woodland materials on the first day.

-Leave expectations at home and allow fresh impressions to inspire your creativity.

This is your Challenge project, so enjoy your journey.



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