Reflecting on Art, Myth, and Dream

“Art can be many things to me. It can be an off-trail walk in the woods, a plunge into the depths of the oceans, or a climb to the top of the highest mountains looking down to see what I can see.  It’s amazing the places creativity can take you if only you let go […]

Creating a Family Butterfly Garden

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it turned into a butterfly.” –Anonymous Every spring my son and I have fun exploring life cycles. We have observed tadpoles from our pond from egg to frog, observed the various pond life under the microscope, raised baby Lionhead rabbits, and raised Monarch butterflies from egg […]

Ojibwe Moons and Sugar Camp

The above picture was taken during Binaakwe-giizis (Falling Leaves Moon) next to an old aninaatig (maple tree) where my son and I spend a lot of time year round. It has become a special place for us to return throughout the cycles of the year. As a lover of science and nature, I’m a fan […]

Fun with Phenology as a Family

My science loving, nature-centered family loves getting involved with citizen science projects that contribute to helping the environment and learning more about the natural world and its cycles. Today, at Nature Art Exploration we’re going to explore a fun citizen science opportunity to get involved with called Nature’s Notebook. I’ve been hearing a lot about […]

Anishinaabe Values and Sustainability

The Ojibwe language and culture is one of the many indigenous cultures that I view as being a storehouse of wisdom leading towards a more sustainable future. The earth-centered values and values of humility inherent in Ojibwe language and culture are like a treasure box waiting to be opened. The language of Anishinaabe people encompasses […]

Exploring Nature Journaling with Kids

Last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to take an educators’ course on Nature Journaling. It widened my perspectives on how to incorporate nature journaling into child education and re-lit my passion for journaling in nature. We explored methods of nature journaling aimed at building and strengthening relationships with nature, cultivating skills of natural observation, […]

How to Start an Art Journal Routine

What is Art Journaling? Art journaling is a freeing experience! I’d have to say that my favorite thing about it is that there are no rules. You can write, sketch, paint, or doodle. You can glue yarn, swirl paint, blend oil pastels, or make patterns. You can write out inspiring quotes that resonate with you […]

Exploring Chaga: Harvest, Storage, and Tea

This is Part 2 of Exploring Chaga. Don’t forget to check out Part 1 where we explore how to identify chaga and talk about benefits. How do you Harvest and Store Chaga? * The decision to harvest any wild mushroom or plant is one that only you can make. You are solely responsible for your […]

Earth-based Wisdom Cultures

Nature Art Exploration works to highlight beautiful things happening across cultures bringing healing and balance to the world as we know it. It operates under the philosophy that the earth-based wisdom diverse groups of people bring to the whole is indispensable. Throughout my life, I have been drawn to indigenous cultures across the world. I […]

Discovering Nature’s Mandalas

Spending time in nature is something that continues to decline in the fast pace of today’s society. This human nature disconnect is like a growing epidemic that continues to suck in our next generation and perpetuates the alienation of our society to the natural world. The Earth Institute at Columbia University has a great article […]