Although I initially wrote this as a college application essay, I felt it was worth adding to my blog. I do spend a large amount of time and energy researching outdoor gear, but I want my friends to know there is a reason behind every decision!
“Soft-shell or mid-layer jacket?” I had two options as I headed out on my run. It was more than a decision, it was a discussion. What are the benefits or drawbacks of each? One may be lighter, the other more durable. One may be more water-repellant, the other warmer. “Who was the first person to pioneer this trail?” Despite its beauty and societal value, it could be causing habitat fragmentation. “Should I still run it?”
Many access their creative endeavors from the peace and quiet of a room or office. I am inspired by the wild places of the world. Exploring the outdoors is the spark for my greatest creative thinking. Whether pondering how the landscape has changed throughout the geologic time scale, or asking how fabric could really be made to let air vent out, but not let water penetrate in, the natural world spurs my wonder more than any other place. The most extravagant chandeliers or city lights pale in comparison to the pristine stars and scintillating beauty of the Aurora Borealis. The twists in the trail are a work of art, the rush of whitewater is music to my ears, the snowflakes’ dance is an act of divinity. It is this connection between the outdoors and the imagination that allows me to find creative joy in so many things. Each scenic view, each moss-covered boulder holds intrinsic meaning that creates opportunities for creative expression. I climb, I hike, I paddle, I struggle, I fall. I climb again. This is my art. It is why I feel a connection to, and motivation for protecting the wild places of our world. It is why I have been planning my trek to the Appalachian Trail since I was 9; why I have been dreaming of my expedition to the Himalayas since I was 12.
Yes, I do have 7 different backpacks. But each one is meticulously researched and designed to perform a specific task. An artist’s tools must be selected with care.
“A soft-shell or midlayer jacket…..?” Could I design a jacket that does the job of both?
