Connection
Emergence, oil on canvas ( 45 x 60 cm)
This piece explores some of the ways in which we are connected to the world around us; physically through our feet upon the earth, through the actions we take, and through our intentions and dreams.
Connection is vital for human life and wellbeing. I have been wondering if many of our daily problems, big or small, may be symptoms of a lack of real connection—or connection to what is real. By “real,” I mean things that are natural versus things that are fake or artificial. So much of our lives are taken up with the fake and artificial. For example, our food, clothing, and even our social lives are manufactured to greater or lesser degrees. A consequence of this abundance of fakery is that we may lack the connections with what is real that help us make sense of things.
Think for a minute about how you are connected to the world around you. How much of the food you eat is real (rather than processed)? How much of your wardrobe is made from natural fibres? Do you spend time with friends face-to-face? Do you talk with people rather than just texting/messaging? How much time to you spend outside in natural surroundings? Do you leave your phone on or near you at night? Of course, I’m hoping your answers will be “most,” “lots,” “yes,” “yes,” “lots,” and “never.” The scary thing is that the trends of modern life seem to be steering people increasingly toward the fake/artificial. Everywhere you look there are barriers (like cost and access) between us and things that are real or natural. Here in New Zealand, we are fortunate that our vegetables/fruit, dairy products and meat are still real and natural (although who knows how much longer that will last with the clowns leading the circus).
My point is that as natural beings, we experience a state of disconnect when we are not connected to the natural world. I believe this disconnect can manifest in various ways (both subtle and obvious) that disrupt our lives. It can leave gaps in our understanding of who we are and how we fit in the world. No amount of flailing around filling these empty spaces with more and more fakery can meet our need for a sense of connection. For example, 5000 online “friends” with emojis count for nothing if you need a fellow human to put their arms around you when something joyous has happened or if you are facing heartbreak. Don’t get me wrong, it is great to connect with people online (after all, we’re doing it now!). But don’t rely on an online world for all your connections. Remember that you’re human and have a need to connect on real terms, with others, with yourself, and with the natural world.
Connection is a major topic for me in both my art and my everyday life. It’s something that I spend a lot of time thinking about from practical and personal development perspectives. I’ve gained so much from the sense of connection I’ve established with trees, the land and living things (seen and unseen). I explore and celebrate this connection when I paint. I’ll also be teasing out connection a bit more in these posts, as I found that I have a fair bit to say about it…
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What makes you feel most connected with the natural world?
