Engaging Nature via Photography
AN “ART x WELLBEING” Article
Featuring Caz Perry and Sarah Belikan
by Isabella Kumpf
An image from Caz Perry’s “Stop. Look. Listen. Breathe.”
Revisiting our virtual exhibition with Caz Perry's "Stop. Look. Listen. Breathe.", and browsing through the interview with Berlin-based photographer Sarah Belikan, my understanding of the value of art in our everyday lives and how it can enhance our wellbeing was reinforced. Even more, it makes me think that maybe everyone needs to discover a little artist in themselves to genuinely see the beauty of our world.
As well as inspiring us with their artistic talent, Caz and Sarah, each in their own way, share their experiences of using photography and art as an influential discipline to overcome personal challenges.
Sarah shares how photography helps her with her identity and confidence as a queer woman and a woman working in a male-dominated profession.
[...] It has shaped my queer identity even more. Because I grew up in such a small village where there were no queer role models, I also had difficulties identifying with it until I came to Berlin and then went out in the queer scene but also worked as a photographer. That definitely shaped me. It's a constant in my life and one of the most important things for me.
Sarah Belikan
Both artists talk about how it helps them stay connected to the present moment and maintain a sense of stability.
Caz's photography captures often unnoticed details of the world with a clarity and precision that foster a deeper connection to the environment and remind us of the power of nature to offer a form of escape from our modern, technological-connected world.
There is nothing in nature that demands anything of us.
Caz Perry
Look closely at nature and wildlife and you will see a kind of artistry in every detail: The changing colours of the seasons. The sounds of the sea, even animals engage in creative activities: Male bowerbirds collect and arrange sticks to build structures called bowers. Puffer fish work tirelessly day and night to carve the circular ridges. Magpies love to collect (or steal) shiny things to decorate their homes for themselves or their loved ones.
The great thing is that it doesn't always have to be a profession, Art is everywhere if you look for it.
My hobby makes me stop when I hear a bird sing.
Caz Perry
Art has the power to shape our inner narratives, challenge our self-made beliefs and lift us out of feelings of shame. It has the ability to give meaning to the smallest moments and influence the most significant events.
Photograph by Sarah Belikan
Sarah shares how a simple walk connected to art has the power to become a source of beauty and confidence.
I know it sounds a bit mundane, but even a 20 minute walk can be a great experience for me. I like to take my camera and photograph nature. Being able to see the results of my efforts at home afterwards is a great way to de-stress and gives me confidence to see what beautiful things I can create.
Sarah Belikan
Both artists showed us the huge impact art can have on our lives. They demonstrated how art can lift our spirits and improve our well-being! Art is what keeps us going. It's our favourite film to watch after a long day at work, our go-to music to unwind with, and our source of inspiration for dancing.
Art can be a form of connection. Art can be self-expression. Art is escape, is appreciation. Art can change your perspective. It can reform your mindset. Art is to see the beauty in the world around us and in our ordinary routines.
Art belongs to everyone and only to you.
Check out Caz Perry's “Stop. Look. Listen. Breathe.”
Curated by Nkech Nwokolo
Read more in Sarah Belikan's interview about her journey with photography and well-being