July 13, 2025: Nature: A Muse for Creativity and Inspiration
MUSE: noun (1)
: a state of deep thought or dreamy abstraction
: a source of inspiration
Research has shown that spending time in nature has positive benefits, linked to both cognitive benefits (i.e. ability to focus) to improvements in our emotional and mental health. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature In addition, time spent in nature also can impact our creativity and provide sources for inspiration.
Throughout history, Nature has been a muse for humanity, from artists, architects and designers to musicians, philosophers, poets, scientists and writers. Whether it’s the breathtaking designs in patterns, like the intricate swirls of a rose, to the marvel of flegling taking flight for the first time, the artistry of nature is a boundless source of creative inspiration.
While nature inspires our jewelry designs, it’s also the muse for my photography and watercolors. I’m often asked “how ever do I implement my creativity in all three art forms?” My response is that the elements of jewelry design, photography and watercolor painting all involve the seven elements of art: line, shape, space, value, form, texture, and color. These elements interweave in different levels of importance, but influence the decisions on how and what I choose to create. Lessons learned in one art form is transferred to another. In addtion I find great joy in all three of these art forms and the time spent in nature is always a gift of solace and peace for the soul tired of all the chaos and conflict in the news and modern life.
As a “late-blooming” artist, I’m always honored and humbled at the response to my nature photography and watercolor paintings. In response to requests, after seeing the artwork shared on social media posts and at our shows, in the days and weeks to come, we will be adding selected favorite pieces to our Dreamscapes: Visions of Nature page on our website:
http://dreamscapejewelry.com/dreamscapes-visions-of-nature-photography/
Hopefully these images will inspire a sense of appreciation for the awe and wonder to be discovered in our Natural World.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read our blogpost. We hope you find the time to head outdoors during this blooming season and find a restored sense of hope, inspiration and sense of peace. I’ve included some inspirational quotes which eloquently describe the relationship between Art, Nature and Creativity. If you have any thoughts on this post or quotes that inspire you, please share them in the comments below and share it with someone who might find it meaningful.
In Peace and Harmony,
Wendy Oellers-Fulmer
“Nature is not only all that is visible to the eye… it also includes the inner pictures of the soul.”
Edvard Munch
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”
Frank Lloyd Wright
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.
Aristotle
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
Albert Einstein
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
Rachel Carson
“It is the marriage of the soul with Nature that makes the intellect fruitful, and gives birth to imagination.”
Henry David Thoreau
What is Art, monsieur, but Nature concentrated?
Honore de Balzac
There is no better designer than nature.
Alexander McQueen
“Some of nature’s most exquisite handiwork is on a miniature scale, as anyone knows who has applied a magnifying glass to a snowflake.”
~ Rachel Carson
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
John Burroughs