The Art of Visual Comfort: Combating Artistic Burnout Through Nature By Elissa Tracy
The vast greenery and historic buildings initially captured my attention in middle Tennessee. Many people have their ideas of paradise; some mention the beaches of Florida or the perfect weather of California. However, with the population at an all-time high, open space is my paradise. Hearing the wind through the trees and observing nature - it speaks in signs. To understand its language, we must first notice what's around us. This becomes challenging in city life where noise and buildings cover every square inch, and signs and distractions fill every corner. For any creative individual (artist, writer, musician, etc.), peace is crucial for creation. Even if you live/enjoy a city atmosphere decompressing and unplugging are imperative to achieving life balance. Throughout the ages, artists have sought creative thoughts through daydreaming, being in nature, around animals, and learning through books, but mainly through practicing in nature.
As humans, it's easy to cut ourselves off from nature in our fast-paced lives. Many hours are spent watching other people's lives on television and various internet outlets. Think about that for a moment… On social media, we have tricked ourselves into thinking this is entertainment—a vicious cycle of looking and posting. Parroting ideas and opinions merely based on popular opinion, often suppressing genuine original thought and creativity. All major cities have become a virtual reality, and nature has somewhat disappeared as every idea is a virtual construct. We take trending ideas and spin another idea into material existence. Many jobs require us to keep an eye on the "pulse" of what's the latest and hottest, so we stay relevant. Unfortunately, "the arts" morph into something that looks contrived, and as artists, we must see past the ordinary and take our creative endeavors back into the extraordinary.
The effects of modern technology on all of us is a topic I often write and speak of, as it represents a double-edged sword with both positive and negative aspects that should be approached with care. If you're an artist struggling with burnout and searching for new ideas by scrolling the internet, that's not the answer. Finding your creative footing, discovering a new well of inspiration starts with nature. The solitude, sounds, colors, sunrises/sunsets, and the movement of the wind will shape your next art piece, music creation, or book idea. Remember, art comes from within. Technique is taught, but true art comes from within and cannot be taught. Creating ideas without force and listening within produce art with soul. Any artistic decision based on watching others, seeking quantity of likes, or making money is not making art; it's strictly business.
It's a tricky balance - life, social media, advanced technology, remaining relevant, and also staying true to ourselves. Test nature for yourselves; start by being outside for 20-30 minutes a day, at minimum. No phone, computer, etc.—basically, no distractions. Listen, look, and feel the signs from being in nature, and watch how new inspiration effortlessly starts to take shape, replacing cultural illusion with something that can only be described as divine.