What’s Inspiring Urth Content Manager Meghan Walsh?

In Praise of Shadows by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki — I recently read this essay on Japanese aesthetics from 1933. There are some beautiful moments and musings on the beauty of shadows and subtlety that I found myself thinking about for days after reading.

“We find beauty not in the thing itself but in the patterns of shadows, the light and the darkness, that one thing against another creates… Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty.”

Wonderground — I recently subscribed to this biannual magazine and have been eagerly reading my first two issues whenever I have some spare time. From the stories to the visuals, everything is brilliant. The magazine itself is beautiful and something I’ll keep on my shelf to look through whenever I need some inspiration.

Tracks — I’m often drawn to stories where the landscape is as much of a character as the people who journey through it. Visually and emotionally, Tracks has stayed with me over the years and I’ve taken away something different each time I watch it.

That said, I can’t talk about films without mentioning Matthias Shoenaerts. He’s easily my favourite actor and his performances always leave me blown away. Rust and Bone, The Mustang and Far From the Madding Crowd are some of his most inspiring.

Ido Yoshimoto — Sculptures are my favourite form of art — how it changes the way you interact with a space and your own senses. I love Ido’s work because of the way he’s able to transform a material like wood into something completely new, allowing its own beauty and character to shine through.

Dark Child by Marlon Williams — Music is an essential tool for dropping into a flow when working. It keeps me present and helps my mind stay open so my thoughts don’t get in my own way. I’m listening to Marlon Williams a lot right now, but it changes all the time. I usually listen to one song or album for the length of a project or until I stop resonating with it.

Longhouse Reserve — During a recent trip home to New York, I visited this sculpture garden for the first time and it was a highlight of my trip. It strikes the balance of being carefully curated, yet respectfully wild — a place proving that nature and art complement and uplift one another. It was also a lesson in breaking out of routine and seeking out the unexplored in familiar places.

Mycelial Earth — I’m inspired by anyone who uses their creativity to solve problems and make the world better. This community-based project from Paul Stamets is the perfect example of how technology can be used to help restore our ecology and save bees.

Beekeeping — I’ve taken several beekeeping courses over the past year and it’s easily the most inspiring activity I’ve done. It’s deeply meditative and really pulls you out of yourself – to learn to be still, attune yourself with the hive and connect with nature in a way that is so tangible.

Alexis Smart Flower Remedies — As a writer, I see my creative process as channelling ideas, emotions and truths into words. It’s very closely tied to my own self-exploration and discovery, and these flower remedies have played a huge role in that over the last year.

Arkose 20L Modular Backpack — I packed for my five-week trip to New York with just a carry-on suitcase and this backpack. The zip-in-half compartment was so helpful for keeping all my electronics, books, food and spare shoes organised during the long flights and layovers.

Lately, I’ve been making an effort to take a few minutes each day to let myself feel in awe of nature. Sometimes that looks like watching the clouds float by in the sky or listening to the sound of cicadas and birds at dusk. It’s a small thing but it always makes me feel more alive.