Chasing the wild

There’s something about being out in nature—completely immersed in the raw elements, feeling the earth beneath my feet, the wind against my skin—that fuels my creativity like nothing else. Recently, I took on an 85km trail race in New Zealand, an experience that left me exhausted, exhilarated, and more inspired than ever.

The rhythm of the wild

Running through rugged trails, past towering mountains, endless forests, and open plains, I was reminded of how connected everything is—the land, the animals, and our place within it. With every step, I absorbed the textures, colors, and energy of the landscape, the same elements that shape my paintings. The way the light filters through the trees, the deep greens of the moss, the fleeting movement of a bird disappearing into the sky—all of it lingers in my mind and later finds its way onto my canvas.

Grit, flow, and art

Trail running isn’t just about speed; it’s about endurance, adaptability, and trusting the process—much like painting. Sometimes, you glide effortlessly, fully in sync with the environment, and other times, every step is a struggle. The grit it takes to push forward, even when it’s tough, mirrors the artistic process. Some paintings flow naturally, while others require pushing through layers of doubt and frustration before they reveal their magic.

The emotion of the landscape

One of the most powerful moments of my race was seeing a flock of birds take off in unison as I passed through a dense valley. That sense of awe and freedom is something I try to translate into my work. My paintings are not just about depicting nature but about evoking the emotions it stirs—whether it’s the wild energy of a stormy coastline or the quiet strength of an ancient tree standing resilient against time.

Bringing the experience to the canvas

Since returning from New Zealand, I’ve been channeling these experiences into my new work. The bold, intuitive brushstrokes, the layers of thick paint, and the vibrant, untamed colors all carry echoes of my time on the trails. It’s about more than just painting animals or landscapes—it’s about capturing the spirit of nature itself.

Art, like trail running, is a journey. It’s about exploring, pushing limits, and embracing the unknown. Whether on the trails or in the studio, I find myself chasing that same feeling—the pulse of the wild, the raw beauty of the world, and the deep, unshakable connection between us and nature.

I can’t wait to share the pieces that emerge from this adventure. Stay tuned for what’s coming next!