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Kari Maxwell

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crossing the threshold

crossing the threshold, 25 x 25
crossing the threshold, 25 x 25

acrylic on stretched canvas

crossing the threshold | Media List


Statement

URBAN EARTH, a shift in perception


I spent my childhood exploring the shores of the Northern California coastline. I celebrated my birthdays in the midst of the giant red wood
forests. As a young adult, I spent my time in the mountain ranges of Montana, hiking, biking and skiing. There is such power in nature's
majesty: ocean, mountain, tall, tall tree.

When I moved to Minneapolis thirteen years ago, I spent years trying to find"my place" in the midwest: exploring less traveled lakes, parks, and rivers.

I would leave these places with a feeling of defeat. Although I wasgrateful to have these opportunities in a city, my heart still ached forthose limitless, grandiose spaces. Where was my place?

Once I acknowledged and accepted that I wouldn't be able toexperience the nature I knew, slowing but surely, nature made herselfknown to me. I was surprised by her form of communication.

It started out as quiet and subtle.

I walk daily: in my neighborhood, around the lakes, through the parks,down by the river. Slowly, my eyes shifted from searching for the larger
picture to seeing the smaller one: nature's detail. I felt reborn. It wasbaffling to me that I could have the exact same relationship with naturethat I had had in the past (it was just up to me to be willing to change myperception).

These images represent the detail of nature: something I have alwaysoverlooked while being captivated by nature's giants. I am grateful for
experiencing nature, now, with every step I take. Have we taken thetime to acknowledge what, may at first, seem small? Have we takenthe time to experience them? This is my attempt to do so.