The Elements Of Nature and Beings In Art
I absolutely love painting the powerful elements of nature and beings in my artwork. They can be beautiful, peaceful and calming or dramatic, disruptive and chaotic!
So, what is the meaning, purpose and significance of these elemental forces of nature and beings in art?
If we take a look throughout art history, it’s clear to see many other artists have used their creative gifts to capture the essence of these elemental forces, inviting viewers to connect with the natural world on a physical, emotional or symbolic level. Great artworks often incorporate symbolic representations of the elemental forces of nature to convey deeper meanings, evoke emotions, or explore philosophical concepts. Artists use various visual elements including colours, textures, forms and compositions, to bring these elemental themes to life.
The term "elements of nature" generally refers to the fundamental forces or substances that make up the natural world. These elements are often categorized as earth, water, fire, and air. In various cultures and traditions, additional elements such as wood, metal, ice, light, and darkness may also be considered. These elements are symbolic and are used to represent different aspects of nature and existence.
On the other hand, "beings" typically refers to living entities or creatures. In the context of nature, beings may include plants, animals, and humans, among other life forms. However, in some mythologies, folklore, or esoteric traditions, the term "beings" can also extend to supernatural entities, spirits, or deities associated with nature.
Below I have offered some possible meanings for the elemental forces of nature and how, some well known artists have depicted them into their artwork:
Elemental Forces of Nature:
Earth: Associated with stability, grounding, and fertility.
Artist: Emily Kam Kngwarray
Example: "The Harvesters" by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
Water: Symbolizing emotions, adaptability, and the flow of life.
Artist: Katsushika Hokusai
Example: "Water Lilies" series by Claude Monet.
Fire: Signifying energy, transformation, and both creative and destructive forces.
Artist: Benjamin West PRA
Example: "The Fire that Consumes All before It" 1978 by Cy Twomly.
Air: Representing intellect, freedom, and the intangible aspects of thought.
Artist: John Constable
Example: "Wind" 1973 by David Hockney.
Wood: Associated with growth, renewal and the life force within nature.
Artist: Louise Nevelson
Example: "The Tree of Life" by Gustav Klimt.
Metal: Symbolizing strength, structure, and the refining influence of challenge.
Artist: Barbara Hepworth
Example: "Three Obliques (Walk In)" 1969 by Barbara Hepworth.
Ice: Representing stillness, introspection, and the dormant potential within.
Artist: Caspar David Friedrich
Example: "Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters" by Hendrick Avercamp.
Light: Symbolizing enlightenment, spiritual insight, and clarity.
Artist: Monet
Example: "Light and Colour" 1843 by JMW Turner.
Darkness: Representing mystery, the unseen, and the transformative power of the unknown.
Artist: Francisco Goya
Example: "The Ghost of a Flea" by William Blake.
Storm: Signifying dynamic and powerful natural forces, often associated with upheaval.
Artist: Turner
Example: "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee" by Rembrandt.
Beings of Nature:
Spirits: Ethereal entities believed to inhabit natural elements or landscapes.
Artist: Remedios Varo
Example: "Astral Personne" by Remedios Varo
Deities: Gods or goddesses associated with specific aspects of nature, such as fertility, weather, or forests.
Artist: Kiki Smith
Example: "Mashwasi Dev, 1988" by Jangarh Singh Shyam
Fairies: Mythical beings often associated with the natural world, known for their magical qualities.
Artist: Richard Dadd
Example: "The Dog Violet Fairy" by Cicely Mary Barker
Nymphs: Spirits of nature, typically linked to specific natural features like rivers, mountains, or trees.
Artist: Edouard Manet
Example: "La Nymphe surprise" (Surprised Nymph) by Edouard Manet
Elemental Beings: Creatures or spirits representing the classical elements, such as gnomes for earth, undines for water, salamanders for fire, and sylphs for air.
Artist: Leonora Carrington
Example: "The Pomps of the Subsoil" by Leonora Carrington
Nature: Balanced and harmonious scenes, interconnected elements, and depictions of the natural world in equilibrium.
Artist: Sandro Botticelli
Example: "Primavera" by Sandro Botticelli.
Spiritual: Transcendent and symbolic imagery, often abstract or ethereal; depictions of divine or universal themes.
Artist: Jivya Soma Mashe
Example: "The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dalí.
When I think about the elements and nature, I find this quote by Andy Goldsworthy very enlightening “We often forget that WE ARE NATURE. Nature is not something separate from us. So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we’ve lost our connection to ourselves.”
If we're not separate from nature but, in fact, are nature itself, why do we often feel disconnected from it? Does this disconnection contribute to feelings of unhappiness or dissatisfaction? Perhaps engaging with art that embodies the elements of nature can bring a sense of well-being and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
On a personal note, creating art that captures the elements of nature and beings enhances my overall well-being. It not only connects me to my inner feelings but also strengthens my bond with the natural world, which I value very much. Through my paintings, I feel a reverence and awe for nature, to appreciate the reality of it and also experience moments that transcend the ordinary. It can at times feel like a mystical energy force within the painting, a life affirming spiritual journey of something that is truly beyond me and as expansive as the universe(s).
Below: A collection of Kunjan Thankey’s paintings capturing the qualities of nature and beings.
