I am more convinced than ever that moving away from nature has NOT made us more civilized, but less.
When all we observe each day are the patterns of our own creation we are in danger. When we are stuck in the rut (grave) that is our own search for what’s Real, we’re in danger.
The artist sees patterns beyond the surface. The artist is able to extract the Reality behind reality and put it out “there” for consumption.
Trying to do this without experiencing nature (the original upon which everything we do is based) is like make a photocopy of a photocopy of a photocopy.
We need - no - MUST be in touch with nature if we are going to be great. Otherwise we are simply contributing to the downward spiral.
As my friend Stevie says, if you want to experience humility, simply run around naked in the woods for a few hours. (I’ve never really asked him how he knows this, but his point is well taken.) For centuries we were immersed in nature - a part of it. With that comes an understanding of our place, and humility - from “humus”, meaning “earth” or “dirt” - which is the beginning of creative greatness. Yes, humility is the beginning of creative greatness because it is the genesis of “awe” and “wonder”, of what Abraham Heschel calls “the ineffable”, and it is the core of inspiration.
In this interview, 
September 22nd, 2006 at 3:38 pm
I’m with your friend on the running around naked in the woods for a few hours! Humility…and well, freedom.
I’ve been reading Walden by Thoreau a lot lately, wherein he emphasises simplicity and getting back to nature. While one may not agree with everything Thoreau has to say, it is clear to see that he has a valid point that, to live life to the fullest, we need to go back to the basics…
Spend some time out in with woods with only your thoughts and God’s creation, and you’ll find out what you really NEED in this life.
Take a good look at your reflection in a still-watered pond, without any makeup, jewelry, or the man-made thing, and you just may perceive what it truly means to be human…
September 23rd, 2006 at 12:50 am
Patterns in nature are quite a deep well to draw from when it comes to creativity and being civilized. Thoreau said he wanted to “drive life in a corner” but he was only able to keep it there for two years. Part of being civilized is to communicate what we find in nature. As a “civilized” society our social interaction is what makes us unique and able to communicate ideas. With Thoreau it was both discovery and communication. As for the simplicity and basics it is a lifelong process and not getting any easier with a world full of more and more gadgets.
One doesn’t have to go to the extreme of nakedness in the woods; simply go camping at 10,000 feet in the rockies in October. A humbling experience indeed.
If you want to see some stunning photos of nature and it’s patterns look no further than here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidarose/
Reduce to the essence. In my experience as a designer; the obvious elegant solution is the most elusive and comes only after a great deal of energy is expelled. In my view nature is full of design owing to the skill of the creator.
Great food for thought, thanks!….