CONNECT TO NATURE WITH ART
Humans + Nature = Happier Humans
​Upcoming Walks
Nature + Creativity = New Connections
Join me for a small-group, guided nature walk, with creativity exercises to help you experience nature in a new way.
Sat, Sep 28Lincoln ParkSep 28, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMLincoln Park , Fauntleroy Way SW & SW Rose St (North Lot)
Sat, Oct 12Ballard LocksOct 12, 2024, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AMBallard Locks, 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
Being outside and in nature helps our bodies and minds be happier and healthier! It gets even better when we slow down and make time to enjoy, play, or be creative. It's definitely something I've experienced in my art practice, when I'm out walking, journaling, or painting outside. But artist or no, creativity + nature is a great formula for wellness!
As humans, especially in more urban settings, spend more time indoors and more time with screens, we get more distanced from nature. But humans evolved to be outside, surrounded by nature. Studies show that being outside with trees or water views for as little as 15 minutes can improve overall wellness and improve mood and deep thinking. Forest Therapy (aka shinrin yoku) research in Japan showed that spending time surrounded by trees, sky, and water could reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, reduce the resting heart rate, and lower blood pressure. The benefits of spending time this way for 2 hours can last for up to 30 days! Even better if you don't have to wait that long...
THE CONNECT TO NATURE WITH ART 'ZINE
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This little zine packs a lot of zing, with ideas for using each of the five senses to explore nature wherever you are - from urban parks to farther afield.
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The Connect to Nature with Art zine was created with partial funding by: Seattle Office of Arts and Culture.
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'ZINE LAUNCH PROJECT
As part of the Connect to Nature with Art launch, over 200 copies of the first printing were distributed at locations across Seattle during Earth Month in April 2023. Now, the 'zine is available at local events and online; order yours in the shop. For bulk copies, or for a digital kit or speaking engagements for a team-building or community event, please get in touch!
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Be a part of the project - share your nature + art explorations, 'zine photos, or a favorite nature spot on social media; tag @teresasternarts and #connecttonature.
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SIGHT
Pause and observe. View the unique tapestry of the day – ever-changing colors, foliage, blooms, and animals or their tracks. Pick up a branch, feather, or leaf. Look at its texture, shapes, edges, and colors.
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TOUCH
Explore with your hands and feet. Place your fingers on the bark of a tree. Walk barefoot on the grass. Notice edges, textures, and temperature changes. Gather petals, leaves, rocks, shells, or sticks; feel their weight in your palm.
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SOUND
Close your eyes, listen to the chorus all around you: wind, rain, water, animals, people, maybe even traffic… Become part of the melody. Add your own beat; drum on a fallen log, tap your feet, or whistle along with a nearby bird.
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SMELL
Breathe in deeply. Discover a medley of scents from damp earth to fresh herbs, marine life to pine needles. Discover what is in bloom; follow your nose. Gather branches, leaves, or flowers.
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TASTE
Connect with the season’s tastes, in your garden, a community p-patch or market, or herbal teas. Seek out the rainbow of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are in season all around.
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