The Outdoor Year

I didn’t plan it, but 2015 was a year spent largely outdoors. I didn’t take other artistic projects forward much, but it was not time ill spent. Getting outside provided inspiration, material for the abstract composites that have increasingly defined my work, and some much needed time to gain perspective on what that work means. As I’ve so often said before, landscape/nature photography is not my natural forte. But incorporating organic forms and imagery is important to the message at the moment and, more than that, I simply like it.

Here are a few of my favorites for the past twelve months. With an upcoming trip to Alaska and my heart set on climbing a couple of small mountains this year, I don’t guarantee that I’ll keep my head firmly on a “purer” art. But this clears the decks a little to make way for the different and more…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That was a fun serendipitous shot, but since I usually do the obligatory travel selfie, this is my favorite for the year…

So some last thoughts at the risk of getting too soapboxy…

I highly encourage everyone to get out and enjoy, relish, and get lost in the big outside. Go when it’s pretty. Or rainy. Or snowy, windy, muddy and every other type of weather. Nature is constantly changing. The forest of summer is not the forest of winter; and beaches are not just for laying out with the sun. Go prepared, not stupid, but a little adversity and dirt are good for you.

And for the love of all that is good and holy, clean up after yourself. The world is not your ashtray and your food wrappers, bottles, condoms, cans, batteries, auto parts, coffee cups, and everything else don’t just go away. The garbage that humans leave behind sticks around to spoil the view, makes it dangerous for humans and more dangerous for the flora and fauna. Wanna earn some cosmic brownie points? Pack out your garbage and as much trash of others as you can.