The holiday season is a great way to combine two important components of our lives – nature and art. With winter upon us in Big Bear, we have an opportunity to reflect on nature and share it by bringing the outdoors into our homes through stories, poetry and local art. While it may be cold outside, we have to keep in mind our feathered friends and remember to support them during this harsh time of year. Keep in mind that birds still need to have access to water and providing shelter can help them stay warmer at night. Check out our companion blog to learn more about how you can Lend a Helping Hand to backyard birds during the Winter.
A great way to help show support for, and benefit from, natural art is to place elements that remind you of the great outdoors throughout your home. Whether that be pieces hung on a wall, painted stones by a local artist, or dedicating a portion of your bookshelf to the theme of nature or wild birds (all of which are available at Chirp). We can stay connected to the natural world even if weather prohibits us from going on a walk or hike. Or, if you’re brave to tackle the great outdoors in the snow or rain, take a moment to embrace all the beauty that surrounds you, breathe it all in, and bring that peaceful energy home with you.
This month, we are featuring one of our favorite artists, Charley Harper. A Cincinnati-based American Modernist artist, Harper illustrated numerous books, his subjects focusing primarily on nature with birds noticeably featured. He created works for many nature-based organizations, which include the National Park Service, Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Nature Center, Hamilton County (Ohio) Park District, and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania. He also designed interpretive displays for Everglades National Park.
Visit us in the Village to check out pieces by Big Bear local artists and our Charley Harper collection, which includes books, puzzles, journals, and mobiles.
