Nature Journaling
by Susie Kowalik
Years ago, I came across a book by Claire
Walker Leslie called Keeping a Nature Journal. It was my introduction to
Journaling... and the discovery of a wonderful gift, both for myself and those
that I have had the privilege of teaching over the years. Ms. Leslie’s
definition read thus, “Nature Journaling is the regular recording of
observations, perceptions, and feelings about the natural world around you.” At
the time, I found that definition a little stringent... especially the use of
the term “regular.” It sounded a little bit like work, but it did keep me at it
until I gave myself permission to not be so “regular” in my recording, and
began to find my own way. I thought, “What a great thing! I don’t have to spend
days creating a great work of art! I can find fifteen minutes or half an hour
and make a little record, a visual memory, a sketch. Do-able!”
Nature Journaling could easily be called,
keeping a “field journal,” or a “garden journal” - a “sketching journal” or,
for some, a “travel journal.” Erin
O’Toole, in her book Create Your Own Artist’s Journal shares these
thoughts... “ The main thing I use my journals for is to practice being
observant. Observing means letting go of the way I think things ought to look
and really seeing them for what they are. I think of myself as a visual
reporter. Journals are books of discoveries. They are a curious look at life. A
place to capture thoughts. Journals are an excuse to explore new places.”
"Douthat State Park" Betty Gatewood
Some people find the writing gratifying...
some the sketching... some just the joy of being out there being in the natural
world and contemplating. Words... images... thoughts..seeing things in a fresh
way, and creating a page to remember it by. I often start a page with just a
notation with the date, where I am and a little about the weather. Then I might
do a small sketch of something that catches my eye... that I want to remember
... a flower, or a bird or a little of the environment I am in. And then I talk
about it to myself with words. Words that help me remember. Up and down and
around the page. Designing the page. I have come to love using watercolors from
a little portable field box for a quick
notation of the colors I am seeing.
Maryann Merritt, Untitled
Frederick Frank said, “I have learned that
what I have not drawn, I have never really seen.” One the day I was studying a
tulip and drawing it into my journal. As I looked at it over and over again,
the light was changing... and when I looked once again, the sun had found the
translucent yellow base of the flower and it glowed! A small, transcendent
moment of discovery, but one I would hate to have missed!
Susie Kowalik, "Yard Detritus"
Although I have never been the “regular
recorder” that Ms. Leslie would like me to be, I think these words by Annie
Dillard sum up why I do continue to keep Nature Journals... “You were made and
set here to give voice to this, your own astonishment.” Isn’t that enough
reason to create anything? Even a small page.
Lee Halsted "Pussy Willows"
Blog Masters Note: Come to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden during the month of March to see an exhibit of Nature Journals in the Library, in the Education Building. You will be glad you did! The photos in this blog entry are works from the show. For directions and information, go to: Ginter Garden
Check out the orchid show in the conservatory while you are there!
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