The creative influence of nature and uncommon creatures

The eternal question: beach or mountains? A debate as divisive as pineapple on pizza or which way the toilet paper roll should hang. As an artist, nature lover, and regular over-thinker, I’ve spent far too much time pondering the pros and cons of each. Unlike my decision on who should take the prestigious position of J in my Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet. This little daredevil leaps up to 50 times its body length with precision and flair—no jet pack required. It’s a reminder that even the smallest creatures (Jumping Spiders) can inspire big thoughts and bold designs.

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

There’s no denying the allure of the beach. The ocean is nature’s ASMR—waves crashing, seagulls squawking, and toddlers shrieking because their sandcastle was unjustly claimed by the tide. If you’re an artist, there’s endless inspiration here: the shifting sands, the ever-changing hues of the sky, the way the plastic bottles wash up in the sea foam. Plus, salty air and negative ions are said to reduce stress, which means the beach is basically therapy with a side of sunburn.

Creatively, the beach feels like chaos in motion. It’s unpredictable, a little messy, and full of hidden treasures—kind of like my art studio in a bag that I carry everywhere. I mean, who hasn’t been inspired by a perfectly smooth shell or the way a jellyfish glows with a haunting, otherworldly beauty?

However, Sand gets everywhere. And I mean everywhere. It’s the glitter of the natural world, and while I respect it, I’m not signing up to exfoliate my soul every time I sit down to sketch.

On the other hand, there’s the mountains—a place where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and the only thing invading your personal space is a surprised roo. The mountains don’t shout for attention like the beach; they quietly command respect. And as someone who appreciates the quieter, uncommon things in life (like the lynx or a jumping spider), this resonates with me.

Health benefits? The mountains offer a natural workout. Hiking trails that are exhausting to look at can instantly increase your cardiovascular health just by being in their presence. And at higher altitudes, your body works harder to take in oxygen, which might explain why I feel so “creatively lightheaded” after a long mountain gaze.

Artistically, the mountains are a masterclass in contrast. Stark rock faces meet drought stricken valleys; dramatic shadows dance across plumes of bushfire smoke. And the stillness? It’s like a blank canvas for your mind. There’s space to breathe, think, and let your imagination wander. If the beach is a chaotic muse, the mountains are the wise old mentor who sits you down and tells you to focus.

While I love the idea of painting seashells and soaking up the beach vibes, the mountains are where my soul feels at home. They’re quiet, grounding, and full of hidden magic—like finding a little jumping spider perched on a rock.

So, whether you’re team beach or team mountains, there’s something to be said for the way nature fuels creativity and nourishes the soul. But if you’re like me—an uncommon animal who prefers the solace of the bush—you hopefully won’t find me somewhere in the wilderness.