How Nature Inspires Art: The Disappearing Green Spaces in Mega Cities
Many mega cities have become barren concrete jungles. Instead of growing more trees, high-rises and condos dominate the skyline. Parks shrink until they vanish, and once-pristine waterfronts are now packed with residential and commercial developments. Rapid population growth fuels this trend, with developers eager to maximize space and profits. However, how nature inspires art is often overlooked in this urban expansion.
This loss of green spaces affects not just nature but also human well-being and creativity. Access to parks, whether for a walk in the woods or a peaceful picnic, is essential. Nature fosters artistic inspiration, strengthens communities, and enhances city life. More people should demand the preservation of these vital spaces.
The notion of nature inspiring art dates back centuries, as reflective in early writers and painters that would capture natural beauty.
The Power of Nature in Art
Masterpieces like John Constable’s The Hay Wain and Claude Monet’s Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies showcase the deep connection between nature and artistic expression. These works reflect how humans rely on nature for both industry and imagination. The Romantic poets of the 19th century—Keats, Byron, Shelley, Coleridge, and Wordsworth—believed nature was essential for creativity. Wordsworth, in particular, explored the contrast between the sublime and the beautiful in nature, highlighting how its raw power and serene beauty fuel artistic inspiration.
The Sublime vs. The Serene
The sublime emerges when an artist encounters nature’s untamed force—raging rivers, towering cliffs, or fierce storms—sparking awe and imagination. Yet, inspiration also thrives in nature’s peaceful moments. A quiet meadow, a forest bathed in sunlight, or the rhythmic sound of waves can clear the mind, allowing creative ideas to flow effortlessly.
Movement and Creativity
Beyond visual beauty, nature stimulates creativity through movement. Hiking through the wilderness boosts circulation, increases oxygen intake, and refreshes the mind. This unique mix of physical energy and mental calmness makes nature not just a backdrop for art but a catalyst for its creation.
During the frigid winter months, many homebound residents suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (aptly called SAD). A lack of Vitamin D and inactivity from staying indoors contributes to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While sun lamps can help, simply braving the cold outdoors often improves mood. With so many glued to screens, staying indoors isn’t just seasonal; balancing screen time with outdoor moments is important. Mobile phones and laptops can be used in parks or under trees for chatting, emailing, or gaming, like reading outdoors. Architects now use Biophilic Design to reduce stress and boost productivity, echoing biologist Edward O. Wilson’s view that humans need nature for creativity and well-being.
A person may leave nature, but nature stays within. Homes and workplaces can mimic it with plants and nature sounds. Even reading a book about nature or watching a film such as ‘Into the Wild’ or ‘A Walk in the Woods’ (adapted from a book by Bill Bryson), can bring more nature into your life.
Nature is a powerful force in our identity. Whether we realize it or not, we crave nature, and when cities limit green spaces, they stifle creativity and community productivity. Therefore, there are unique ways to incorporate nature into lives. Be it parks on top of buildings to designate green areas, playing nature themed online games, or including greener designs in their workplace and their homes.
