Welcome to the Sunday Dispatch. Here are our top finds for the week of Oct. 3
Photo by Jennifer McClellan.
01. Photographer pick: Jennifer McClellan
In the words of the photographer...
I have been an artist my whole life. I grew up drawing horses and eventually went to Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design. I am currently an art director at the world’s largest music publisher.
I am a mom and recently an empty nester. My daughter moved out on her own a couple of years ago to become a nurse.
I have always had a love for nature and the serene feeling of being outdoors. I find it so beautiful and grounding. And, I have always loved taking photos — especially on vacations. So, eventually my two passions came together naturally!
I started hiking frequently several years ago and began taking my camera with me. I am happiest when it is just me, my camera and Mother Nature. There is something comforting about it. I started my instagram account about 5 years ago just as a place to showcase my images. I mostly photograph flowers and plants. I see them as little, ever-changing sculptures. I also love the textures, patterns and colors of nature. They inspire me with my work as a designer.
I enjoy photographing all the seasons in Wisconsin. Even the bitter winter! I will often follow a flower or plant through all its stages of life. I find that dying flowers are more interesting than the ones in full bloom. There is beautiful sadness to them.
I became very interested in macro photography about a year ago. I got myself a macro lens and the plant world just exploded open for me. It’s amazing and mind blowing to see the close-up details of nature. So intricate. Most people just pass these details by, but I love to capture them.
Nature has helped me through some tough times. I can look back on my images and think, I remember that day and recall how I was feeling — and smile at how far I have come.
—Jennifer McClellan
To view more of McClellan’s photos, visit her Instagram page at @jen.mcclellan.
Photo by Jennifer McClellan.
02. Article pick 1: Favorite Native Plants
If you’ve read “'Nature's Best Hope': Author Douglas Tallamy on how you and your backyard can help restore biodiversity" then you know how important native plants are in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. But what types do you want in your yard? Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA), a community organization promoting sustainable approaches to landscape design, takes a step further with an article introducing their members’ favorite native plants. Featuring photos and thorough explanations, the article might just help you decide on the right plants for you.
"How to Read Nature" by Tristan Gooley
03. Book pick: 'How to Read Nature'
Described by Great Outdoors Magazine as having attained "national treasure status," if anyone has mastered the art of connecting with nature it'd be author Tristan Gooley. This fairly short, easy-to-read book teaches to rely less on our eyesight and more on the other four senses we tend to underestimate. Gooley uses his various experiences with nature and a 20-year fascination with natural navigation to inspire readers to see what happens when they leave the phone at home and get in tune with their instincts.
Unsplash
04. Article pick 2: '10 Reasons to Fish From a Kayak'
Do you normally fish from land? Or a boat? It might be time to change it up. Kayaks offer a number of benefits that can transform your fishing experience. Check out these 10 reasons to fish from a kayak and you might just decide to make the investment.