A new perspective
each day.
Weather changes, animals adapt, environments adjust.
Perspectives in
Art and Literature draw on what is seen in Nature.
As a botanical and wildlife artist and writer, being able to alter
perspective on a subject easily, opens endless possibilities - from
painting and drawing delicate, detailed garden flowers and local
wildlife and birds close up and realistic - to looser, whimsical
artwork with greater interpretation of the subject through sketching,
watercolour washes and illustrations.
Similarly, writing about wildlife and nature – detailed, precise
accounts seem to conflict with writing poetry and stories but it is
just an alternative perspective.
Different perspectives encourage deeper understanding of the natural
world through scientific, practical and creative interpretations of
it.
Environment issues and wildlife concerns might appear
unconcerning or devastating, depending on how they are perceived. Changing perspective on an issue can help break down assumptions and unquestioned beliefs, as with
Blake’s poem which juxtaposes ideas on right and wrong by shifting
perspective in search of answers.
In this section he draws on imagery
of nature.
Auguries of
Innocence by William Blake
To see a world in a
grain of sand
And a heaven in a
wild flower,
Hold infinity in the
palm of your hand,
And eternity in an
hour.
A robin redbreast in
a cage
Puts all heaven in a
rage.
A dove-house fill'd
with doves and pigeons
Shudders hell thro'
all its regions.
A dog starv'd at his
master's gate
Predicts the ruin of
the state.
A horse misused upon
the road
Calls to heaven for
human blood.
Each outcry of the
hunted hare
A fibre from the
brain does tear.
A skylark wounded in
the wing,
A cherubim does
cease to sing.
The game-cock clipt
and arm'd for fight
Does the rising sun
affright.
Every wolf's and
lion's howl
Raises from hell a
human soul.
The wild deer,
wand'ring here and there,
Keeps the human soul
from care.
The lamb misus'd
breeds public strife,
And yet forgives the
butcher's knife.
The bat that flits
at close of eve
Has left the brain
that won't believe.
The owl that calls
upon the night
Speaks the
unbeliever's fright.
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| What is seen is a matter of perspective : Waiting or Watching? |