It’s always a pleasure to be able to reflect on my life and childhood adventures that led me to where I am today. I am honored to be featured in Bluedot Living’s brand new article, “A Kid Called Turtleman Grew Up To Paint Fish”, by Emily Cain. It was an awesome opportunity to work with Bluedot Living again and to speak with Cain who posed questions about my experiences, work, inspirations and relationship to “art, awe, and advocacy”.
One of my favorite questions she asked was about the importance of my access and freedom to explore nature from a young age. I remembered the summer days of going to Willett Pond, a muddy pond with the neighborhood kids and catching turtles all day. I'd come home covered in mud and my Mom loved that I had been wading in mud up to my neck and had caught a big snapper.
Looking back, those simple times when all I needed in life was a big net, taught me lessons I wouldn’t be able to appreciate until much later. I believe that it is important for young children to be free to go outside and explore nature. In our current era, where technology and screens are omnipresent, we should encourage our children to be curious about the natural world and allow them to explore it. My early childhood has deeply influenced the person I am today and my mission to inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world.
I am especially grateful to be featured by a publication that shares a commitment to the environment and thoughtful storytelling. If you’d like to learn more about my journey and the ideas that continue to influence my work I hope you’ll check out the interview below.
Link: A Kid Called Turtleman Grew Up to Paint Fish
