The Wall-Less Rooms Of Nature That Inspire Imagination with Patrice Vecchione

Nature and art share the quality of perseverance and optimism. Patrice Vecchione illustrates this when she says, “Art is optimistic. No matter what emotions a piece of art may convey, art-making itself is a refusal to be plowed under by doubt, political systems, poverty or any number of other things.” She goes on to point out that nature shares those same qualities. “Determined plants push up between the slivery cracks in the concrete, making their leafy way to the light where they thrive. If nature is curtailed in one way, it does it’s best to find another. Over and over again.” She describes how the act of being in nature expanded her imagination, which made the act of doing art more meaningful. When our creative spirit is in touch with the natural world, the boundaries and walls are removed. She believes that encouraging creativity requires both structure and the freedom to imagine. As she points out, “The imagination wants to grow by its very nature and the same is true with nature. If water comes to a wall, it doesn’t pack up its bag and say forget about it. Water finds a way around. Imagination does the same thing. They’re both life sustaining, life-giving aspects of this planet.” Nature, she says, offers us a perfect place to daydream. Vecchione also explains how she and others help to preserve and care for a little bit of the earth, and how we can all do the same. (hosted by Justine Willis Toms)

Bio

Patrice Vecchione is a poet, author, and artist. She teaches creative writing retreats, and collage and poetry workshops. She has also worked with children, leading classes in poetry and the imagination in elementary, middle, and high schools.

She’s the author of several books including:

• Writing and the Spiritual Life : Finding Your Voice by Looking Within (McGraw Hill 2001)
• Step into Nature: Nurturing Imagination and Spirit in Everyday Life (Beyond Words Publishing 2015)

To learn more about the work of Patrice Vecchione go to www.patricevecchione.com.

Topics explored in this dialogue include:

• How does nature inspire imagination
• How are nature and imagination alike
• What is the difference between attention and imagination
• What are some ways to engage with nature
• What is a pocket park
• How is making art similar to wandering in nature
• How does structure impede creativity
• How can we re-think education to allow for creativity

Host: Justine Willis Toms               Interview Date: 5/12/2015                Program Number: 3544

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