Story
Through the connection with the earth... I have derived much of my inspiration for my artwork. - Dolan Geiman
I grew up in a forest service cabin in the mountains of Virginia, where my father worked as a forest service administrator. My mother was, and still is, an artist. When I was young enough to walk, she would take my siblings and I into the woods while my father worked and she would show us all of the interesting insects, snakes, lizards, minks, weasels, shrubs, berries, and trees (you name it, we saw it). So at a very early age, I became intrigued and connected with the wildlife around me. She would also tell us stories about the Native Americans who roamed the woods and forests of that area, and of their spiritual and natural connection to the wild, and I fancied myself similar in those regards. Through the connection with the earth and the connection to the energy that one finds when spending time in the woods, I have derived much of my inspiration for my artwork. This piece, in particular, reminds us to stay connected with the natural energy of the wild, and to remember those who came before us, who made those paths that we now walk in the woods, who talked to the birds and animals, and the connection, appreciation, and reverence they had for all things natural.
