Kalanit and the Creative Process

Nature is the greatest artist.

Think about it. Have you ever seen a field of wild flowers with TOO much color? No, instead you see a perfect display of color, harmony, and balance.

Kalanit is the Hebrew word for a cup shaped plant with colorful flowers which grows wild in Israel in the spring. After the wet winter months, the wild flowers emerge from the earth and cover the landscape with color.

One of those free gifts from heaven, they tell us in a beautiful way that “the winter is passed, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth…” (Shir HaShirim – Song of Songs 1:11).

Spring has arrived. The earth wakes from its winter slumber and paints a tapestry for all to see and enjoy.

Although great web sites don’t just grow naturally, I still consider the web design process in terms of the passing of winter to spring. The creative impulse within us remains, even if at times dormant, only to one day emerge with that “flash” of creativity that seems to appear out of nowhere. Just as spring flowers suddenly appear after the dark, dreary winter months.

These wild flowers are my artistic guide when creating web sites. They are also a great guide for life — encouraging me to  move with harmony and balance even in the dark winter months — knowing that spring will return and the flowers will once again bloom.