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Does the way a leaf twists and turns in the wind stop you in your tracks? Does a forest path patterned with light and shadow entice you to follow, or the chartreuse mossy side of a black oak in sunlight make you catch your breath? Yes, yes and yes to all and more. Things like a forest ravine along a mountain highway, all choked and crisscrossed with logs, rocks, plants and stuff can move me close to tears, and I want to paint those things, or whatever that feeling is that they make me feel. What makes you feel, and what does it say about you?

My brother sat for hours as a toddler in his child-sized car with pedals and was quite distressed when he was compelled to leave for any reason. As a teenager and even now, he lovingly restores cars to their former glory. Our grandfather did many woodworking projects around our place, and John was first his little helper, and later his competent assistant. He seems to have been born with mechanical know how. Now he lives on the beautiful Northern California Coast where the Redwoods watch as he pursues his passion for renovating classic cars.

Our family of seven children growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s Yosemite were very close to nature. It was our base from which we measured everything in every way. Even John, who is nuts about cars, was immersed in the natural history of Yosemite. At the end of the day when our mother blew that whistle calling us home, we smelled of meadow grass, swamp mud from catching pollywogs, and other sundry scents courtesy of Mother Nature.

Nature is still a vital part of our lives. Matt is an extraordinary photographer who is a fisherman based in Sitka Alaska. For about 40 years he has fished Alaskan waters, taking pictures, writing articles, and when not out fishing living in a house he built himself on a small island where you can see the lights of Sitka.

Peter plays the flute and writes about the natural life occurring along the Merced River as it courses its way through Yosemite Valley. He takes copious photographs and writes volumes of notes in little spiral bound notebooks. One sister and I love to leave ski prints across mountains and meadows, and another sister leaves footprints on sandy beach walks as she listens to her muse.

Why are we the way we are? Why do we choose certain pursuits, live where we do? How much influence do genes have, and what about early experiences and environments? Many of my artist friends grew up in urban areas, yet their art very much is nature based. Alternately some from small towns or rural areas do not pursue natural subjects. I find this diversity interesting and refreshing. Creative expressions among landscape painters, photographers, and writers all are seen through a different lens so to speak, and I celebrate that. Vive la difference!   

So what passions do you pursue? What makes you feel, and what does it say about you?