Orienting Yourself

Paths run through people as surely as they run through places.

Robert MacFarlane, The Old Ways

Want to know a secret? If I need to drive somewhere, I cannot read a map if my life depended on it. I try really, really hard, but inevitably if I need to turn right and head east, I will turn left and happily go west.

Want to know another secret? My sense of direction depends on my feet and the sky. Seriously, if my feet are on the ground, I (usually) know where I am heading if I know where the sun is, and certain stars are (thank you shadows! thank you Polaris!)

All this orienting—or lack thereof—is important when you are making a path. I believe the paths we take leave their mark on us. “Leave no trace” is all well and good for a national park, but we influence each other, too. Sometimes, the paths we leave on people are obvious—the laugh lines, the stretch marks, the gray hair. Other times they are invisible and only become visible when certain emotions are triggered.

The Past: Our Roots and Foundations

Our past plays a crucial role in shaping who we are and how we navigate the world. The experiences we've had, the lessons we've learned, and the people we've encountered all leave indelible marks on our psyche. These marks guide us, often subconsciously, as we make decisions and chart our course through life.

For artists, the past is a rich tapestry of inspiration. It provides a foundation upon which we build our creative expressions. The memories of places we've been, the stories we've heard, and the emotions we've felt all feed into our art. Every brushstroke, every color choice, and every composition is influenced by our past experiences. By acknowledging and embracing our roots, we can create art that is authentic and deeply personal.

Every brushstroke, every color choice, and every composition is influenced by our past experiences.

The Present: Navigating the Here and Now

Being present is essential for both life and art. When we are grounded in the present moment, we can truly listen to our inner voice and respond to the world around us. This is where the magic happens—when feelings become ideas, and ideas become realities.

In the studio, this means showing up every day, ready to engage with the creative process. It means being open to experimentation, embracing mistakes, and trusting the journey. Just like my adventures with maps and directions (ha!), the path in art is not always clear. Sometimes, we have to rely on our intuition, our feet on the ground, and the stars in the sky to find our way.

The Future: Dreams and Aspirations

The future is a blank canvas, full of possibilities. Yes, that is so corny but it is soooo true. Our future is shaped by our dreams and aspirations, the goals we set, and the vision we have for ourselves. As artists, we are constantly looking forward, imagining what could be, and striving to create something new and meaningful.

Our future is influenced by our past and present, but it is also a space for reinvention and growth. By setting intentions and staying true to our vision, we can navigate the unknown with confidence. The choices we make today, both in life and in art, will shape the path we take tomorrow.

Connection: The Heart of the Journey

At the heart of our journey is connection. The paths we take are not solitary; they intersect with the paths of others, creating a web of relationships and influences. Our interactions with others leave marks on us, just as we leave marks on them. These connections enrich our lives and our art, providing a source of inspiration and support.

In art, connection is about sharing our work with the world. It's about inviting others into our inner world and creating a dialogue between artist and viewer. When we share our art, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and insights, deepening our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Embracing the Journey

Orienting ourselves in life and art is an ongoing process. It requires us to look to the past for guidance, stay present in the moment, and envision the future with hope and intention. By embracing this journey, we can become the people and artists we aspire to be.

So, whether you're navigating a literal path or the metaphorical path of your creative journey, remember to stay grounded, stay curious, and stay connected. The paths you take will shape you, just as you shape them. And in the end, it's the journey that matters most.